Nassib becomes first active NFL player to come out as gay

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By ARNIE STAPLETON

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib on Monday became the first active NFL player to come out as gay.

Nassib, who is entering his sixth NFL season and second with the Raiders, announced the news on Instagram, saying he wasn’t doing it for the attention but because he felt representation and visibility were important.

“I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay,” Nassib said in his video message from his home in West Chester, Pennsylvania. “I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest.

“I really have the best life. I got 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 really not doing this for attention. I just think that representation and visibility are so important.”



FILE - In this Nov. 29, 2020, file photo, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Atlanta. Nassib on Monday, June 21, 2021, became the first active NFL player to come out as gay. Nassib announced the news on Instagram, saying he was not doing it for the attention but because “I just think that representation and visibility are so important.” (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)


Read more: https://apnews.com/article/carl-nassib-raiders-first-nfl-player-to-come-out-as-gay-e4d9e1b4df3264489a6a853e7968812d

[roamer65]

1. Good for him!

I think there will be others that follow now.

[Ferrets are Cool]

2. Hmmmmm, someone doesn't know how to fact check OR I am missing something

Here is the list of football players in the NFL who have come out:

Played in a regular season game

Dave Kopay (1964-72): Running back with the 49ers, Lions, Redskins, Saints, and Packers.

Jerry Smith (1965-77): Tight end with the Redskins. The NFL Network produced a documentary on Smith being gay.

Ray McDonald (1967-68): Running back

Roy Simmons (1979-83): Offensive lineman with the Giants and Redskins.

Jeff Rohrer (1982-89): Linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys.

Esera Tuaolo (1991-99: Defensive tackle with the Packers, Vikings, Jaguars, Falcons and Panthers.

Kwame Harris (2003-2008): Offensive lineman with the 49ers and Raiders.

Ryan O’Callaghan (2006-2011): Offensive lineman with the Patriots and Chiefs.

Ryan Russell (2015-17, spent 2018 in Bills camp): Defensive lineman with the Buccaneers and Cowboys.


Or maybe it's that they came out AFTER playing, but I don't get that impression from my research.

[Yavin4]

3. "Or maybe it's that they came out AFTER playing" Yes. That's the difference.

Vince Lombardi's brother was Gay, and he was okay with it as well as with Jerry Smith when he got to Washington.

[Ferrets are Cool]

4. +1

[Treefrog]

8. I read Dave Kopay's book years ago.

Really thought it was a good book at the time; maybe I’ll try and find it again.

Also wasn’t there a guy who was gay caught up in some bullying NFL scandal a few years ago? Can’t remember his name so maybe you listed him.

[Ex Lurker]

5. Maybe hold up on making him an icon

he's a Republican

[rogue emissary]

6. +1

[Behind the Aegis]

7. So what?

He is still the first openly gay player to come out while being on a team. It is still an important moment in GLBT history, even if he is a republican! Trying to take away from this milestone because of something else reeks!

[Treefrog]

9. Thank you. In my mind, his being a repub makes it even more of a milestone!

[Behind the Aegis]

10. In some respects, I agree.

How many other gay/bi players are looking on and going, "If a gay REPUBLICAN can come out, then maybe I can too!" Frankly, he has opened a long sealed closet door, and to me, that is important!