Michael Sam has decided to accept an invitation to be on ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Sam is not the first former NFL player to be on the program, with Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith famously gracing the set.
Michael Sam to appear on ‘Dancing with the Stars’
Sam will be on ABC’s primetime hit while still searching for work in the NFL.
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
While he is going on the show, Sam made it clear his football career is not over.
Very excited to be a part of @DancingABC. Football remains my unquestioned number 1 priority, however, while I continue to train and (1/4)
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) February 24, 2015 stay ready, I am ecstatic to participate in a fun, athletic competition like so many players before me have done. Filming this (2/4)
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) February 24, 2015 offseason is very flexible and allows me to be part of the veterans combine 3/22 if accepted or any other workouts. (3/4)
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) February 24, 2015 I’m looking forward to getting started with @PetaMurgatroyd and winning! Thanks for the support! #TeamSambatroyd (4/4)
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) February 24, 2015 Sam made headlines last year during the NFL Draft process when he publicly acknowledged that he is gay. He then became the first openly gay player to be drafted when the St. Louis Rams selected him with the No. 249 overall pick.
A star defensive end at the University of Missouri, Sam was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013. Sam was cut by the Rams at the conclusion of training camp before being signed to the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad. However, he was released by Dallas before playing in a game and has not been acquired by another team. Sam recently applied to participate in the NFL's new Veteran Combine, which will be held on March 22.
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