Michael Sam thanks Rams and St. Louis after learning he's been released

Michael Sam, the openly gay NFL rookie who was released today by the St. Louis Rams, released this statement shortly after learning he would not make the Rams' 53-man roster:

I want to thank the entire Rams organization and the city of St. Louis for giving me this tremendous opportunity and allowing me to 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.

The most worthwhile things in life rarely come easy, this is a lesson I've always known. The journey continues...

It's a classy statement by Sam, who knows this is not the end of his journey. He must now wait 24 hours to see if another NFL team will add him to their active roster. If no one is interested, Sam knows he is likely to be added to the Rams' practice squad.

We haven't heard the last of him yet. Not even close.