Sam Finds New Acceptance In Montreal

Looks like Michael Sam will need to practice his French!

Montreal – The Montreal Alouettes announced on Friday that the club has signed international defensive end Michael Sam to a two-year deal. Sam (6’2’’, 260 lbs.) joins the Alouettes after spending the 2014 season in the National Football League with the St. Louis Rams and the Dallas Cowboys.

The 25-year-old athlete developed his playing abilities with the University of Missouri Tigers in the NCAA. In four seasons with the Tigers, Sam registered an impressive 123 total tackles of which 36 were for losses and 21 total sacks. He also notched two interceptions. 

“With the signing of Michael Sam, we have become a better organization today,” said Alouettes’ general manager, Jim Popp. “Not only have we added an outstanding football player, we have added even a better person that brings dignity, character, and heart to our team.” –  Montreal Alouettes

Congrats again Michael Sam.  We all know it means a great deal to be appreciated, and with words like that from your new GM, it looks like you found a new home. 

So why are the Alouettes taking a chance on a player like Sam?  I mean, the "gay football player"  controversy is over right? And even if it wasn't, there probably isn't a better place for Sam to be in North America.  Montreal's reputation as the most European city on our continent is very true and let's face it, Europeans have a leg up on these issues.  If Sam is going to be accepted in NA with most likely zero concerns, it is in Montreal. 

But let's not forget, he is a damn good player and the Alouettes remind us of that.

In his last year with Missouri, he was named on the first-team All-SEC, in addition to receiving joint SEC Defensive Player of the Year honours with CJ Mosley of the University of Alabama. He led the conference with 11.5 total sacks and 21 tackles for losses.  He also forced a fumble, which he returned for a touchdown during the Cotton Bowl, helping the Tigers defeat the Oklahoma State University Cowboys by a score of 41-31.

“I am very excited and proud to join the Montreal Alouettes and want to thank team Owner Robert Wetenhall, General Manager Jim Popp and Head Coach Tom Higgins for this opportunity,” declared the Alouettes newest member. “I cannot wait to put on the pads, get back on the field and work hard each and every day with my teammates to bring a Grey Cup to the great fans here in Montreal.”

Following his impressive performance during his senior year, the Galveston, TX native was selected in the fifth round (249^th overall) by the Rams during the 2014 NFL Draft.  In four pre-season games with St. Louis, Sam collected 11 tackles and three sacks. 

Sam will be available at a press conference to be held on Tuesday, May 26 at 11:00 a.m. at the Opal room of the Montreal Airport Marriott.

The following day, he will join the other first-year CFL players in being initiated to the Alouettes organization at Bishop’s University.  –  Montreal Alouettes

We wish you the best and may you get more playing time north of the border than you did here. 

If you're free labor Day weekend, I'll be up there in Montreal with 30 good friends.  Let's hang out and cheer your success!