Michael Sam just signed to be part of "Dancing with the Stars" Season 20, although it doesn't mean he's quit football.
According to TMZ, Michael Sam will be participating in ABC's reality dance competition a year after he publicly admitted that he was gay. The show's 20th season will begin filming on March 16.
The free-agent defensive is the first openly gay man ever drafted by an NFL team. Saw was unfortunately cut by the St. Louis Rams and was also later waived by the Dallas Cowboys during his rookie season.
Michael Sam has yet to give up on his pro football team. His decision to sign with the reality season, however, might raise a conflict with his intent to return to NFL.
In an interview with Sport's Illustrated, the athlete revealed that he plans to return this season.
"Through all the ups and downs, though, I've remained focused on getting back on an NFL roster. It's why I get up early every morning and push myself at the gym, and why I'm looking to participate in the first-ever NFL veterans combine this winter," he said.
When asked if Michael Sam thought that his confession has cost him a career of a lifetime, here's what he said:
"I don't believe that being gay has kept me off an NFL roster, but I will challenge anyone who says I don't have the talent to make it in the league, and I will continue to push myself every single day and do whatever it takes until I can to earn another roster spot."
NFL players who went on "Dancing with the Stars" fared well in the recent years. Emmit Smith and Hines Ward won their respective seasons while Jerry Rice, Jasong Taylor and Warren Sapp finished second.
Will Michael Sam have the same amount of success? He partners with Peta Murgatroyd for "Dancing with the Stars" season 20.
