The defensive end of the Raiders Carl Nassib was the first active NFL player to come out as gay on Monday night.
Nassib posted the announcement on Instagram and also said he would donate $ 100,000 to The Trevor Project, an organization focused on suicide prevention in the LGBTQ + community.
News of Nassib’s announcement quickly spread across the NFL and was quickly received with positive news from players, teams and executives. This included some warm comments from Raiders owner Mark Davis.
“It’s 2021,” said Davis, according to ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez. “All the more power for Carl. It doesn’t change my opinion of him as a person or as a raider. “
MORE: Derek Carr says he’d rather quit football than play with any team other than the Raiders
The NFL also released an official statement saying it was “proud” of him.
“The NFL family is proud of Carl for bravely sharing his truth today,” the statement said. “Representation is important. We share his hope that statements like his will one day be no longer newsworthy as we move towards full equality for the LGBTQ + community. We wish Carl the best of luck for the season ahead.”
Here are some of the other Twitter messages that Nassib endorsed, including posts from the Raiders, the NFL, and Nassib’s former college teammate Saquon Barkley.
Congratulations to Carl Nassib on getting out, this is a big step. I think most players are concerned about whether or not they can play.
– Shawne Merriman (@shawnemerriman) June 21, 2021
Carl Nassib’s announcement on his IG page contained this notice, which was particularly persuasive, especially to those who might get this message with “What’s the big deal / why is it important?” pic.twitter.com/o1lQLoSqSa
– Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) June 21, 2021
Anyone who thinks this wouldn’t have happened in the old days of the NFL should probably google Harold Lombardi. Vince’s brother, who was gay, and Vince Lombardi more than once told his players that if he heard homophobic slurs from them, they would be out.
– Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) June 21, 2021
Kudos to Carl Nassib. That must be tough. Holds something like that for so long.
– Crocky⚡️ (@eric_crocker) June 21, 2021
Good for you Carl Nassib !! Live your truth, brother.
– Ryan Clark (@ Realrclark25) June 21, 2021
Even so, at least one player doesn’t want people to forget about Michael Sam, another NFL-level trailblazer.
Michael Sam don’t let Carl Nassib steal your shine you were here first
– Charles James II (@CJDeuce_) June 21, 2021
Sam came out gay ahead of the 2014 NFL Draft and was selected by the Rams in the seventh round. As a rookie, however, he didn’t make it into the team’s 53-man roster, so he was never on an active NFL roster.
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