Michael Sam is still not giving up his hopes of playing in the National Football League, but the defensive end might find himself playing in the Canadian Football League this year.
Sam, who is the first openly gay player to be drafted in the NFL when he was taken by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of the draft last year, recently participated in the veteran combine, where free agents underwent drills in the hope of getting the attention of an NFL team.
However, Sam was not too impressive in the drills and has yet to receive an offer at this point, but the former Missouri standout recently said that he will not stop pursuing his dream of playing in the NFL.
"As long as I still have that will, as long as I'm still healthy and can play this game, you will continue to see me fighting to get in this league," Sam told reporters.
Sam conceded, though, that he is open to playing in the Canadian Football League if he fails to get a shot in the NFL this season, and reports indicated that one team has already expressed strong interest in acquiring him.
The Montreal Alouettes are reportedly interested in bring Sam to the CFL. Alouettes general manager Jim Popp said that Sam's camp is aware of their interest, but signing the former Southeastern Conference defensive player of the year is not set in stone, admitting that they only have 50 percent chance of getting Sam.
"It's Michael who has to make the decision and he might never come," Popp told the Montreal Gazette when asked about the possibility of signing Sam. "The indications were he was ready to come last fall, and he's still not with us. So I really don't know. Seriously, I'd say our chances are 50/50."
Popp also added that he has yet to talk to Sam again. But based on recent information that they received from his camp, Sam will wait for potential NFL offers first before considering playing in the CFL. For Popp, Sam's skill set fits the Canadian Football League and there is a good chance the 25-year-old will make his mark in the league.
"The CFL is cut out perfectly for his style," Popp added. "It would give him the opportunity to do what he does best. His agent knows. They're ready. They know this may be what it is."
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