Michael Sam thanks Rams on Twitter for 'tremendous opportunity'

The Rams cut defensive end Michael Sam on Saturday, but Sam thanked the organization on his Twitter account.

The Rams cut defensive end Michael Sam on Saturday, but Sam thanked the organization on his Twitter account.

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

Final NFL roster cuts: Track all 32 as they finalize 53-man rosters

Sam, who appeared on the field at his alma mater Missouri's season-opener against South Dakota State on Saturday, is trying to become the first openly gay player to make a 53-man roster in the NFL.

The 24-year-old, who was a seventh-round draft pick, had three sacks and 11 tackles in four preseason games for St. Louis.

- Chris Mascaro