First openly gay NFL draftee cut by Rams

The first openly gay player drafted by a National Football League team has been released by the St. Louis Rams without making their final roster.

Openly gay NFL player Michael Sam is cut by the St. Louis Rams without making their final roster. (AAP)

Michael Sam, the first openly gay player drafted by a National Football League team, was released on Saturday by the St. Louis Rams in their final roster reduction.

All NFL teams had to reach the 53-man NFL limit by Saturday ahead of next week's season openers.

Sam, a defensive end taken in the seventh round, was among the last four players cut from the Rams' lineup.

Other NFL teams have until Sunday to claim Sam's rights or he will become a free agent.