Those concerned that Michael Sam is leaving football behind as he competes in ABC's Dancing With the Stars do not have to worry.

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Sam was announced this week as one of the 12 new celebrities competing in the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars, which begins in mid-March. While some thought he may have been abandoning football to star in the ABC show, Sam asserted that football was his priority.

"Very excited to be a part of @DancingABC," he began in a series of tweets this week. "Football remains my unquestioned number 1 priority. However, while I continue to train and stay ready, I am ecstatic to participate in a fun, athletic competition like so many players before me have done."

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He continued, "Filming this offseason is very flexible and allows me to be part of the veterans combine [March 22] if accepted or any other workouts. I'm looking forward to getting started with @PetaMurgatroyd and winning! Thanks for the support! #TeamSambatroyd".

Sam became the first openly gay player drafted to the NFL last year. He was drafted as a seventh round pick to the St. Louis Rams but was later cut at the end of training. He is currently a free agent.

Heading into Dancing With the Stars, Sam can look back on other football players who have competed in and won DWTS in the past. Past NFL players who have gone on to win Dancing With the Stars include Emmitt Smith, Hines Ward and Donald Driver.

Dancing With the Stars season 20 is slated to begin on Monday, March 16 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC.

Tags: Dancing with the Stars Reality TV ABC