Michael Sam fires agent, will attempt NFL return in 2016

Michael Sam hasn't closed the door on his NFL career.

The former SEC Defensive Player of the Year told ABC-17 in Missouri on Thursday he'll attempt to return to the NFL in 2016.

"I'll try to pursue my NFL career," said Sam, the first openly gay player to be drafted into the NFL. "Taking a break this year was very smart. I think it was one of the smartest things I've done in a long time."

Sam has been out of the NFL since being released from the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad in October 2014. Before that, he spent time with the St. Louis Rams, who selected him in the seventh round of the 2014 draft.

After a brief stint with the CFL's Montreal Alouettes this summer, Sam announced he was stepping away from football for mental health reasons.

Sam is now working on his master's at the University of Missouri and plans to pursue a career in broadcasting.

"Since I came out in February 2014, I realized that I've been in the media for so long and so much, that I've kind of gotten used to it," Sam said. "I wanted to wet my feet a little bit and see if this could be a career of mine in the future."

As for football, Sam said he recently fired his agent and publicist, and will continue training at Missouri.

Asked why he's confident he can make an NFL roster next year, Sam replied, "(I'm) just refocused on me and refocused on what my needs are."