Carl Nassib donated $100,000 to the Trevor Project.
Rey Del Rio/Getty Images
Carl Nassib, a 28-year-old defensive linesman with the Las Vegas Raiders made history on Monday, becoming the first active NFL player to come out as gay.
“Just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay,” he said in an Instagram post. “I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest.”
Nassib said he was doing this purely for reasons of representation.
“I hope that you guys know that I’m really not doing this for attention,” he added. “I just think that representation and visibility are so important.
“I actually hope that one day videos like this and the whole coming out process are just not necessary, but until then I’m going to do my best to cultivate a culture that’s accepting and compassionate.”
Nassib also donated $100,000 to the Trevor Project, a US nonprofit that focuses on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ+ youth.
Although Nassib is the first active NFL player to come out, Michael Sam, another defensive end, came out as gay in 2014. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in 2014 but ultimately did not make the final roster after playing in the pre-season.
Other NFL players, like David Kopay and Roy Simmons, came out as gay after retiring from the NFL. Simmons said he never came out during his playing career for fear of destroying his career. “The NFL has a reputation,” he once said, “and it’s not even a verbal thing — it’s just known.”
Who is Carl Nassib?
Carl Nassib is a defensive end who currently plays for the NFL team the Las Vegas Raiders. He is a five season veteran of the NFL, having previously played for the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
He played for Penn State Nittany Lions in College and was extremely successful, becoming a consensus All America and winning the Hendricks Award for the nation’s top defensive end in 2015. He was also given the Lombardi Award as the best college football lineman or linebacker.
In March 2020, Nassib signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Reaction
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said he was “proud” of Nassib for “sharing his truth”
“Representation matters,” he said. “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.”
The Raiders showed their support on social media.
As expected, some social media reaction has sadly been focused on this not being an important issue, but most have universally supported Nassib.
Carl Nassib’s announcement on his IG page included this note which was particularly compelling, especially for those who may meet this news with “what’s the big deal/why does it matter?” pic.twitter.com/o1lQLoSqSa
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) June 21, 2021
Carl Nassib said he agonized about this moment for the last 15 years. He deserves all the love. Kindness today is important. Don’t let your negative tweets be the reason someone else decides not to live their truth. Let your positive ones be the reason they do.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) June 21, 2021
Congrats Carl my brother is gay so I can see how hard it is for people to come out I couldn’t even imagine the pressure in the public eye. Proud of you keep doing ya thing!
— Damian (@MIZZOUFAN56) June 21, 2021
Big ups to Carl. I had to hide my whole career and was miserable. There were days I wanted to die because there was so much pressure and hate. I got my ring in The triple crown in Las Vegas in softball but I had to hide who I was. You be you !!!!
— John Cole CST CCMA (@jacknox44) June 21, 2021
“I am just one person,” said Nassib. “I am a lanky walk-on who is living his dream.
“Thank you everyone for your support.”