August 30, 2014

By Michael Natelli

So close.

On the final day of preseason cuts, the St. Louis Rams announced former Missouri defensive end Michael Sam did not make the team’s 53-man roster. Sam, a seventh-round pick by St. Louis, is the first openly gay player in the NFL.

The news was first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

No history yet…Rams released DE Michael Sam. Prime practice-squad candidate.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2014

At this point, all is not lost for Sam. He has been placed on waivers, meaning he could be claimed by any team. If he were to make it through waivers, he would then become a free agent and would be able to sign anywhere.

If teams can get past the potential added media attention that Sam brings, there’s reason to believe he could find a new team before the season starts next Sunday. He put together an impressive preseason, recording three sacks and leading the Rams in tackles last week against the Miami Dolphins.

However, the Rams already had nine defensive linemen on the roster, making Sam the odd man out.

“I’m very confident I’m going to be on a team, the Rams or any other team in the NFL,” Sam said after the game against the Dolphins on Aug. 28.

Sam was a key part of the Missouri defensive line last season, posting 11.5 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss en route to being named the 2013 Southeastern Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year.