Photos: Michael Sam is cut by St. Louis Rams

St. Louis Rams defensive end Michael Sam reacts during pregame workouts before a preseason contest against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. (Marc Serota / Getty Images)

Aug. 30, 2014 2:36 PM PT

A look at defensive end Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by an NFL team. Sam was cut by the St. Louis Rams after four preseason games with the team.

Michael Sam smiles while standing on the sideline of a game between Missouri, where he played in college, and South Dakota State on Saturday. (Ed Zurga / Getty Images)

Michael Sam watches pregame festivities before Saturday’s game between Missouri and South Dakota State. Sam told his teammates at Missouri in a private meeting before last season that he was gay. (L.G. Patterson / Associated Press)

St. Louis Rams defensive end Michael Sam looks on during a preseason game against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday. (Lynne Sladky / Associated Press)

Former Missouri teammates Michael Sam, left, and T.J. Moe look on during a game between Missouri and South Dakota State on Saturday. (L.G. Patterson / Associated Press)

Michael Sam addresses reporters during a news conference after being selected by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round of 2014 NFL draft in May. (Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images)

St. Louis Rams defensive end Michael Sam, right, shares a laugh with teammate E.J. Gaines, left, and Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Wilson after a preseason game on Thursday. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press)