Michael Sam fails to record tackle in 'nervous' CFL debut

The Ottawa RedBlacks spoiled Michael Sam's professional Canadian debut.

Quarterback Henry Burris led the RedBlacks to a 26-23 victory over the Montreal Alouettes on Friday night in Ottawa, throwing for 323 yards and two touchdowns. He scored the winning touchdown on a quarterback sneak with only 90 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Sam, who became the first openly gay athlete to play in a CFL game, finished the contest without recording a sack or tackle.

"I'm not going to lie, there were some big jitters out there and I was nervous when I first got on the field," Sam said. "I didn't get any opportunities to make many plays. I had some good pass rushes, I thought, but close enough is not a sack."

The RedBlacks improved to 4-2 with the win, doubling their win total from last season. Montreal fell to 2-4, and sits last in the East.

Ottawa used a 19-point second half to secure the come-from-behind victory. RedBlacks wide receiver Greg Ellingson made eight catches for 110 yards in the win, leading all receivers in the game.