Out US football player Michael Sam is to appear on the US show ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in its upcoming series.

Michael Sam, the first openly gay player to be drafted by the NFL, is to appear on the celebrity dancing show in it’s upcoming 20th series. He will dance opposite Peta Murgatroyd.

Previously, sports stars have performed but Sam doesn’t think his athletic ability will work in his favour.

He told Good Morning America: “I just think I’m athletic and I can perform. I’m a competitor and I know Peta is too.”

The show will begin its 20th season on March 16th and will feature ten other celebrities, such as music icon Pati LaBelle and Rumer Willis.

However, Michael Sam – who is a free agent at the moment – said it does not mean he is retiring from football.

Very excited to be a part of @DancingABC. Football remains my unquestioned number 1 priority, however, while I continue to train and (1/4)

— Michael Sam (@MichaelSamNFL) February 24, 2015