Raiders DE Carl Nassib Becomes First Active, Gay NFL Player
Jun 22, 2021, 10:00 AM | Updated: Dec 8, 2022, 11:01 am
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 15: Carl Nassib #94 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates an interception with teammates against the Denver Broncos during the second half at Allegiant Stadium on November 15, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib came out as gay on Instagram.
Along with coming out, Nassib announced he will donate $100K to The Trevor Project, an organization that is instrumental in preventing LGBTQ+ youth suicides.
“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’ve got the best family, friends and job a guy could ask for. I am a pretty private person, so I hope you guys don’t think I am doing this for attention, I just think that representation and visibility are so important. I actually hope that one-day videos like this and the whole coming-out process are just not necessary. But until then I am going to do my best and do my part to cultivate a culture that is accepting,” said Nassib.
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Nassib also included a written message in his Instagram post explaining his mindset and obstacles he had to overcome before publically coming out.
“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 am gay,” wrote Nassib.
