The Montreal Gazette have retracted their report that former Montreal Alouettes defensive end has officially retired from football. 

Gazette reporter Herb Zurkowsky reported earlier Tuesday that Sam told celebrity news website TMZ that he's retiring. 

The defensive end announced he was leaving the Alouettes last Friday, one week after becoming the first openly gay athlete to play in a professional football game.

Sam took to Twitter on the same day to announce his decision, citing his mental health as a concern. He missed the Alouettes' next game due to a back injury.

Sam, a seventh round pick of the St. Louis Rams in the 2014 NFL Draft, made his professional debut against the Ottawa Redblacks on Aug. 7. He failed to record a tackle or sack while taking a handful of snaps.

The 25-year-old was cut by the Rams after the preseason in 2014 but was signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, where he spent one month before being cut. After attending the NFL's veteran combine in March 2015 and failing to garner interest, Sam headed north of the border and signed with the Alouettes in May.

His decision to walk away ended a tumultuous season with the Alouettes. He was suspended in June for leaving Alouettes training camp for personal reasons. He returned to the team 13 days later and finally saw his first game action against Ottawa.