Canadian Football League side the Montreal Alouettes have announced that they have signed Michael Sam.

Sam made history last year when he became the first openly gay player in the NFL when he was selected in the seventh round of the 2014 Draft by the St Louis Rams.

The 25-year-old failed to make the Rams' roster, but was signed to the practice squad of the Dallas Cowboys, although once again he was released without playing a snap in the league.

Sam worked out at the NFL veteran's combine earlier in the off-season, and has now been handed the chance to play with the Alouettes in the CFL, while also becoming the first openly gay player in the CFL.

General manager Jim Popp told reporters: "With the signing of Michael Sam, we have become a better organisation today. 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."

He added to NFL Network: "Yes, he's the first openly gay CFL player. But he's no different than any player we've ever recruited. We recruited him strictly off his skill set, which is that he's an outstanding pass-rusher.

"He doesn't fit into everyone's system in the NFL, but he showed what he can do in the preseason. He'll get to do what he does best with us. Now, he's gotta make our team, he's got to understand the nuances of our league and all that. But we got him strictly off his skill set."

Sam recorded 111 tackles, 18.5 sacks and two interceptions in his college career with the Missouri Tigers.