“I just want to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay. I just think that representation and visibility are so important. I actually hope that like one day videos like this and the whole coming-out process are just not necessary,” he said. “But until then I’m going to do my best and my part to cultivate a culture that’s accepting, that’s compassionate.” Nassib added that he was also donating $100,000 to the Trevor Project, a charity that strives to prevent suicide among teenagers in the LGBTQIA+ communities. Nassib is determined to raise awareness of LGBTQIA+ youth suicides and his announcement no doubt will save lives. Get to know Nassib and the history he’s made with his announcement!
Who is Carl Nassib?
The Cleveland Browns snatched up Penn State star Nassib in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. The defensive lineman played two seasons with the Browns, then two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before moving to the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2020 for a three-year, $25 million contract. He is also shrewd with money; in Hard Knocks on HBO, he taught his teammates about compound interest. Another fun fact? He’s a Swiftie! Watch how he mentions Taylor Swift in his financial literacy lesson below. As the rest of the world gets to know Nassib, it seems he’s gaining a whole new set of fans—and tons of support from the NFL and beyond. The NFL released a statement from commissioner Roger Goodell in support of Nassib after he came out. “The NFL family is proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today. Representation matters,” Goodell wrote. “We share his hope that someday soon statements like his will no longer be newsworthy as we march toward full equality for the LGBTQ+ community. We wish Carl the best of luck this coming season.” Further, NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith tweeted that Nassib has the full support of the union. Nassib’s team, the Las Vegas Raiders, retweeted Nassib’s video announcement and wrote, “Proud of you.” The Los Angeles Chargers, expressed their pride in Nassib, retweeting the Raiders’ post and writing, “Some things are bigger than a rivalry.” Michael Sam honored Nassib, tweeting, “Carl Nassib thank you for owning your truth and especially your donation to the @TrevorProject. LBGTQ people are more likely to commit suicide than heterosexuals. I hope and pray people will take note to this. Thank you again Carl and look forward to seeing you play on the field.” NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moongushed, “Really proud of Carl Nassib. The first active football player to ever do so. I played with several guys who never were comfortable enough to go public. They were great teammates and obviously very talented.” He added, “As long as they helped us win and were great teammates- their sexual preference was never a issue.. We live in a different time now where diversity is much more accepted. Cheers Carl, and I hope this lets other athletes know, its OK to say who you are.” Ryan Russell, an NFL free agent who came out as bisexual in 2019, said in an interview with CNN, “It’s a moment of celebration. It’s a huge moment not only for Nassib, but for the NFL and sports at large.” Openly gay tennis legend Billie Jean King tweeted, “The ability to live an authentic life is so important. Sending love and support to Carl Nassib of the @Raiders, who has bravely made history as the 1st active NFL player to come out. He has also donated $100K to @TrevorProject. Representation and visibility matter!” Former NBA star Rex Chapman praised Nassib’s courage, saying in an interview, “Representation matters and you can bet your bottom dollar yesterday Carl Nassib saved lives.” George Takeipraised Nassib with a cute pun, tweeting, “It took me until I was in my late 60s to come out. Such is the power of the closet. And I know what it’s like to have the eyes of the world on you when you do finally speak your truth. Bravo, Carl Nassib. You have tackled a great deal today.” Billy Eichner joked, “Carl Nassib on being be the first active NFL player to come out as gay! 10 yrs ago I was the first man to be actively gay at the Super Bowl.” Sen. Cory Booker, a former NCAA football star, tweeted, “Proud of Carl Nassib for courageously living his truth. Representation matters and this historic moment will help so many LGBTQ+ youth. Thank you, Carl, for your incredible leadership.” Comedian W. Kamau Bell wrote, “WAY TO GO, CARL NASSIB! If you don’t follow sports you may not realize how big this is for the NFL. There will no doubt be a lot acceptance & excitement, but there’s also gonna be a lot of ‘As a Christian…’ & some ’not that there’s anything wrong w/ that’ & worse.”
Are there gay players in the NFL?
While Nassib is the first active NFL player to come out as gay, other players have revealed their own sexual identities at different times. Retired NFL star David Kopay came out as gay in 1975. Roy Simmons came out in 1992 after his NFL retirement and admitted in a 2003 interview that there was no way he could or would have done so while he was still playing professionally. “The NFL has a reputation, and it’s not even a verbal thing—it’s just known,” he told The New York Times. You are gladiators; you are male; you kick butt." Michael Sam came out before being signed by the St. Louis Rams in the 2014 NFL draft, but he only played in the NFL preseason before he was cut from the roster. NFL free agent Ryan Russell came out as bisexual in 2019. Next, celebrate Pride Month with the 14 best gay/LGBTQ movies on Netflix right now!
