Michael Sam says he's stepping away from football

MONTREAL, Canada (KTRK) -- The first openly gay player in the NFL says he's stepping away from football.

Michael Sam tweeted the news Friday afternoon, saying the last few months have been difficult.

The defensive end out of Missouri was drafted before the 2014 season.

After spending time with the Rams and Cowboys of the NFL, Sam joined on with the Montreal Alouettes of the CFL.