Carl Nassib said it had taken him 15 years to feel comfortable about coming out publicly
(Picture: Getty Images)American football star Carl Nassib has been hailed as an icon after he became the first active NFL player to publicly come out as gay.
The Las Vegas Raiders player made the personal announcement in an Instagram video as Pride Month enters its final week.
Speaking from his home in West Chester, Pennsylvania, the 28-year-old told his 160,000 followers: “I just want to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay.
“I’ve been meaning to do this for a while, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest.”
He added he was a “pretty private person” but decided to speak out because he believed “representation and visibility are so important”.
He added in a lengthy written statement that he had “agonised over this moment for the last 15 years” and that it wasn’t until recently – thanks to the support of his family and friends – that it seemed possibly for him to “say publicly and proudly that I’m gay.”
The defensive lineman also thanked his teammates and coaches for their “respect and acceptance”, adding: “I would not have been able to do this without them.”
Full statement from Carl Nassib. #PRIDE pic.twitter.com/92cSSDqZoR
— NFL (@NFL) June 21, 2021
Nassib’s declaration has been met with an outpouring of love and praise, with the Raiders and the NFL itself among those to share their pride in him:
The NFL community is with you, Carl. 🙌 (via @thecheckdown) pic.twitter.com/PovkVGMHTJ
— NFL (@NFL) June 22, 2021
Here’s just a glimpse at the messages of admiration shared by countless other people on Twitter alone:
Why is it still important when someone like Carl Nassib, an established player in the most popular sport in our country, comes out? Because of this 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/fQq7XufTnt
— Nancy Armour (@nrarmour) June 21, 2021
if you have the privilege of saying "who cares?" about Carl Nassib's coming out, here's why it matters. sit down. everything isn't about you. pic.twitter.com/TFA9NW7X8S
— shauna (@goldengateblond) June 22, 2021
This is a historic day for LGBTQ+ representation in sports.
— Tony Paul (@TonyPaul1984) June 21, 2021
Carl Nassib, Penn State alum who plays DE for the Las Vegas Raiders, has come out as gay.
First active NFL player to do so, and in making the announcement, he donated $100K to @TrevorProject.https://t.co/Fzw5Hq7Q17 pic.twitter.com/z9xTkUPHWP
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, & obviously very talented.
— Warren Moon (@WMoon1) June 22, 2021
gays on their way to carl nassib’s instagram pic.twitter.com/fIAjeaZEtl
— David Mack (@davidmackau) June 21, 2021
Good for you Carl Nassib!! Live your truth brother.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) June 21, 2021
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.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) June 22, 2021
Bravo, Carl Nassib. You have tackled a great deal today.
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
Representation matters. Thank you Carl Nassib for your incredible courage. https://t.co/uOVRdLD3dc
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) June 21, 2021
Bravo, Carl Nassib. Every broken barrier clears the way for others. https://t.co/6GdbkaXQ9Y
— Barb McQuade (@BarbMcQuade) June 22, 2021
Somewhere there’s a kid who feels a little less isolated and scared because of what Carl Nassib did today. And that is heartening to think about.
— Eric Adelson (@eric_adelson) June 22, 2021
Nasib, who spent time at the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before joining the Raiders in 2020, said in his video: “I actually hope 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, that’s compassionate and I’m going to start by donating 100,000 dollars (£72,000) to The Trevor Project.”
The Trevor Project is a charity focused on suicide prevention in the LGBT community in the US.
As a part of this important conversation make sure you check out @TrevorProject. This organization is doing amazingly important work!!! 🌈 #trevorproject https://t.co/d0MLoMkjlt
— Larry Collins (@LarryNBC5) June 22, 2021
Nassib’s announcement follows defensive end Michael Sam coming out as gay ahead of the NFL draft in 2014. Sam was subsequently drafted by the St Louis Rams in the seventh round but cut from their roster before the season began.
He also spent time with the Dallas Cowboys but did not appear in an NFL game. He later played for the Montreal Alouettes in the Canadian Football League.
Former LA Galaxy wide man and USA international Robbie Rogers was the first openly gay man to play in one of America’s big five sports leagues when he came out in February 2013. NBA centre Jason Collins came out later that year and had a short spell with the Brooklyn Nets in 2014.
The NFL has announced plans to return to London this October with two games scheduled to be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
