Las Vegas Raider’s Carl Nassib Comes Out As Gay
Las Vegas Raider’s defensive lineman Carl Nassib has happily come out as gay. On June 21, Monday, Carl announced his sexuality through an Instagram post.
In a video he posted on Instagram, he said, “I needed to get this off my chest. I am a private person, so I hope you understand I am not doing this for attention. Likewise, I believe representation is necessary.”
He also mentioned that he hopes that the whole “coming out” situation is not necessary in the near future. Likewise, he said he is grateful for all the love and support he has been getting and hopes nothing changes.
The Only Openly Gay Player of the NFL
Carl is the only openly gay player of the NFL currently. He also is the first active player in the league to accept his sexuality publicly.
The former Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers players said he kept his sexuality a secret for more than 15 years. He also mentioned that those years felt “agonizing” for him.
Likewise, in a separate post, he has thanked his teammates, coaches, and NFL as a whole for accepting him. He also thanked his family and a few close friends for giving him the courage to come out on a public platform.
Moreover, all the other NFL players that have ever come out as gay had already been retired. They mention “You think it is a male sport. You need to be manly.” However, Carl seems to know that manhood is not defined by sexuality.
NFL and the Players Publicly Show Their Support
It was clear that the league supports him and the players of any sexualities, as NFL commented, ” We are so proud of you, Carl!” on the post.
Likewise, Commissioner Roger Goodell said he was “proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today. Representation matters.”
Carl’s team Las Vegas Raiders, also showed their support on Twitter. They shared Carl’s Instagram Post captioning it, “We are very proud of you, Carl.”
Moreover, some of his teammates, including defensive lineman Darius Stills and edge rusher Maxx Crosby openly showed their support by commenting under the Instagram post. They also mentioned that they were proud of him.
Furthermore, DeMaurice Smith, executive director of the N.F.L. Players Association, also tweeted that Carl is accepted and loved by him and the union.
Likewise, other non-NFL stars, including tennis player Billie Jean King have also shown their support for Carl.
Fans Outpour Their Love for Carl Nassib
Apart from the stars, NFL fans and LGBT allies from over the world have shown their support for Carl.
Some closeted gay fans have thanked Carl for giving them the courage to come out as well. However, he has been receiving hate from some NFL fans. But, the supportive tweets have shown he has really inspired young fans.
Likewise, these fans have even thanked Raiders and NFL for giving Carl the platform to raise his voice. Obviously, his coming out during the Pride Month of June is of huge significance for the LGBT community.
Carl Nassib Donates to The Trevor Project
Along with the coming-out announcement, Carl Nassib announced that he would be donating to the Trevor Project.
He has donated over a hundred thousand US Dollars for the project. The Trevor Project works for suicide prevention among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth.
He also mentioned that he is doing what he can for the protection of his community. Likewise, he mentioned that this step would “help cultivate a culture that’s accepting and compassionate (for the LGBTQ community).”
We are proud of you, Carl! Congratulations and Happy Pride!
