Carl Nassib: Las Vegas Raiders defensive end becomes first active NFL player to come out as gay
There has never been an active publicly out gay player in NFL history, although several players have come out after retiring; defensive end Nassib signed a three-year, $25m contract with the Raiders in March 2020
By Sam Johnston
Last Updated: 23/06/21 6:39am
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib has become the first active NFL player to come out as gay.
The 28-year-old made the announcement, which comes during LGBTQ Pride Month, via an Instagram post on Monday, which included a video message.
"I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay," Nassib said.
"I've been meaning to do this for a while now but finally feel comfortable getting it off my chest. I really have the best life, the best family, friends and job a guy can ask for.
"I'm a pretty private person so I hope you guys know that I'm not doing this for attention. 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 not necessary, but until then I will do my best and my part to cultivate a culture that's accepting and compassionate."
Nassib signed a three-year, $25m contract with the Raiders in March 2020.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell revealed his pride in Nassib's bravery.
"The NFL family is proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today," he said in a statement. "Representation matters. 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."
There has never been an active publicly out gay player in NFL history, although several players have come out after retiring.
Nassib has partnered with The Trevor Project, a non-profit organisation focused on crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth under the age of 25. He has made an initial $100,000 donation.
Picked by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Nassib went on to spend two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, before landing in Las Vegas with the Raiders.
He has 20.5 career sacks and 143 combined tackles, 97 of which were solo.
President Biden lauds Nassib, Yokoyama for coming out
US President Joe Biden praised the courage of Nassib for becoming the NFL's first openly gay active player and Japan women forward Kumi Yokoyama for coming out as a transgender man.
"To Carl Nassib and Kumi Yokoyama two prominent, inspiring athletes who came out this week: I'm so proud of your courage," Biden tweeted.
Yokoyama, who plays for National Women's Soccer League side Washington Spirit, said living in the United States and Germany had shown that it was possible to be more comfortable with their identity.
"Because of you, countless kids around the world are seeing themselves in a new light today," Biden added on Twitter.
