American football star Carl Nassib becomes first active NFL player to come out as gay
And he's donating $100,00 to The Trevor Project!
Words: Jamie Tabberer; pictures: Instagram/@carlnassib
Congratulations are in order for Carl Nasisb, who has become the first active NFL player to come out publicly as gay.
The American football star shared the news with fans in an Instagram video last night.
Carl plays in the defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders.
“I actually hope one day videos like this and the whole coming out process are not necessary”
In the video, Carl said: “What’s up people, I’m Carl Nassib, I’m at my house here in West Chester, Pennsylvania. I just want to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay.”
View this post on Instagram
The 28-year-old continued: “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, the best family, friends and job a guy could ask for. I’m a pretty private person so I hope you guys know I’m not doing this for attention.
“I just think representation and visibility are so important. I actually hope one day videos like this and the whole coming out process are not necessary. Until then I’m going to do my best, do my part, to cultivate a culture that’s accepting. And I’m going to start by donating $100,00 to [LGBTQ youth organisation] The Trevor Project.”
View this post on Instagram
The Trevor Project is dedicated to crisis intervention and suicide prevention among LGBTQs.
In a written statement, Carl added: “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.”
“Representation matters”
Responding to the news in a statement, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: “The NFL family is proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today. Representation matters.”
The Raiders meanwhile tweeted: “Proud of you, Carl”.
Proud of you, Carl 🖤 pic.twitter.com/R9aJxYFefW
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) June 21, 2021
Carl has previously played for the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In 2015, Michael Sam became the first publicly gay American football player to play in the Canadian Football League.
This story is being updated.
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