Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib used his Instagram account Monday to announce that he was gay, becoming the first NFL player to come out while still active in the league.
“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 as he spoke from his home in Westchester, Penn.
“I really have the best life. I’ve got the best family, friends, and job a guy could ask for. I’m a pretty private person, so I hope you guys know that I’m really not doing this for the attention. I just think that representation and visibility are so important.”
Nassib, 28, has played in the NFL for five years. He signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Raiders in March 2020.
Nassib smiled and appeared comfortable as he spoke. In a message accompanying the video, Nassib wrote, “Sadly, I have agonized over this moment for the last 15 years. Only until recently, thanks to my family and friends … did it seem possible for me to say publicly and proudly that I’m gay.”
Nassib added he was thankful for the “NFL, my coaches, and fellow players for their support. I would not have been able to do this without them. From the jump, I was greeted with the utmost respect and acceptance.”
In 1975, former 49er running back Dave Kopay was the first professional team sport athlete to come out as gay, three years after his career ended. Kopay spent training camp with the Oakland Raiders in 1972 before he was cut. He soon retired.”
“I actually hope that one day, videos like this and the whole coming out process are just not necessary,” Nassib said. “But until then, I’m going do my best and do my part to cultivate a culture that’s accepting, that’s compassionate.”
Nassib announced that he was donating $100,000 to the Trevor Project, which he described as the number one suicide prevention service for LGBTQ youth in the U.S.
“hey’re truly doing incredible things, and I’m very excited to be a part of it to help in any way that I can,” Nassib said. “I’m really pumped to see what the future holds.
“That’s all I have for you guys. Hope you have a great day.”
