Rams cut Michael Sam, not selected for practice squad
theGRIO REPORT - The St. Louis Rams announced Saturday that rookie defensive end Michael Sam would not be on their 53-man roster this season...
The St. Louis Rams announced Saturday that rookie defensive end Michael Sam would not be on their 53-man roster this season.
Earlier this year, Sam became the first openly gay football player to be selected in the NFL Draft. The Rams selected Sam in the 7th round.
Sam took to Twitter to thank the Rams organization after he received the news.
I want to thank the entire Rams organization and the city of St. Louis for giving me this tremendous opportunity and allowing me to (1/2)
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSam52) August 30, 2014
show I can play at this level. I look forward to continuing to build on the progress I made here toward a long and successful career (2/2)
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSam52) August 30, 2014
The most worthwhile things in life rarely come easy, this is a lesson I've always known. The journey continues.
— Michael Sam (@MichaelSam52) August 30, 2014
“He’s not about drawing attention to himself,” head coach Jeff Fisher said during a press conference. “He kept his head down, and he worked, and you can’t ask anything more out of any player for that matter.”
“I will tell you this: I was pulling for Mike,” Fisher said. “I really was, and I don’t say that very often. Mike came in here and did everything we asked him to do.”
It was speculated over the weekend that Sam could be selected as part of St. Louis’ 10-man practice squad; however, that will not be happening.
The Rams released their practice squad list Monday afternoon, and Sam was not named.
The team reported they chose players in positions that lacked the depth they needed, selecting two linebackers, two receivers, two safeties, two offensive linemen, a quarterback and a defensive tackle.
After clearing waivers Sunday, Sam is free to sign with any team.
Follow Carrie Healey on Twitter @CarrieHeals.
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