Carl Nassib Becomes First Active NFL Player To Come Out As Gay

Carl Nassib made NFL history on Monday as the first active player to come out as gay.

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The defensive lineman for the Las Vegas Raiders came out with a casual but impactful video message for his fans with a little more than a week left to go in Pride month.

“I just want to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay,” he said at the start of the video, wasting no time at all. 

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“I’ve been meaning to do this for awhile now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest,” Nassib continued. “I really have the best life. I’ve got the best family, friends, and job a guy could ask for.”

He added that he isn’t coming out for attention, but rather due to a belief in “representation and visibility.”

“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 and do my part to cultivate a culture that’s accepting and compassionate and I’m going to start by donating $100,000 to The Trevor Project,” he pledged.

Las Vegas Raiders DE Carl Nassib comes out as gay

He also announced a $100K donation to the Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ youth. pic.twitter.com/5Xobd9s0pp

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 21, 2021

Although Michael Sam famously came out just prior to the 2014 NFL draft (and ultimately didn’t play any regular-season games), Nassib is the first active NFL player to come out as gay. Several other players have come out after retiring.

Nassib’s announcement was met with the expected mixture of support, bigotry, and ignorant suggestions that no one needs to announce that they’re gay.

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

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It is 2021 and the very first active NFL player has come out as gay; all the other ones are still too scared of the effect on their career that coming out will have. This is a victory for Nassib but a damning indictment of the sport. https://t.co/ctB5SwSaOq

— Laurie Voss (@seldo) June 21, 2021

There ya go! Nobody SHOULD care – it shouldn’t matter one way or the other. But until we all actually get to that place of acceptance, it matters a lot. Good for him for living his truth and giving hope to others.

— Tommiegirl28 (@tommiegirl28) June 22, 2021

In 2013 I asked an NFL coordinator, on background, if he thought the league would ever accept an openly gay player. He said no, “because nobody wants to shower with a fa——.”

Here’s to Carl Nassib’s courage, and that coach being out of a job. https://t.co/4KxbaM2nd0

— robertklemko (@RobertKlemko) June 21, 2021

Carl Nassib likely isn’t the only active gay player in the NFL, but him coming forward will be huge for those who haven’t gotten there yet. Very courageous decision that will not only help other players but so many young people in this country. https://t.co/zhy9Tu2tMU

— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) June 22, 2021

Nassib also noted on Instagram that his coaches and teammates have been accepting of him since coming out.

“I truly love my life and cannot understand why I have been blessed with so much,” he wrote. “I feel especially thankful to have had so much support when many who came before—and many even now—do not. I stand on the shoulders of giants, incredible people who paved the way for this opportunity.”

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*First Published: June 22, 2021, 6:18 am