NEW YORK (AP) — Michael Sam is thanking his new NFL team on Twitter.

Shortly after being selected by the St. Louis Rams with the 249th pick Saturday, Sam tweeted:

“Thank you to the St. Louis Rams and the whole city of St. Louis. I’m using every ounce of this to achieve greatness.”

Sam became the first openly gay player drafted by a pro football team. He’ll start his professional career not far from the place where he played his college ball at Missouri.

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Online: AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

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