Raiders DE Carl Nassib Becomes NFL’s Top-Selling Jersey After Coming Out As Gay
Jun 22, 2021, 3:09 PM | Updated: Dec 9, 2022, 11:38 am
Defensive ends Arden Key #99 and Carl Nassib #94, cornerback Trayvon Mullen #27 and defensive end Kendal Vickers #91 of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrate after Nassib intercepted a Denver Broncos' pass in the second half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on November 15, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Carl Nassib’s No. 94 Las Vegas Raiders jersey became the NFL’s top-selling jersey after the defensive end came out as gay.
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Nassib made the announcement via Instagram on Monday, June 21.
The month of June is celebrated as Pride Month.
“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.
Shortly after the defensive end’s social media post was published, Nassib’s silver and black Raiders jersey came the league’s top-selling jersey.
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In addition to coming out, Nassib said he was donating $100K to The Trevor Project, which is an organization that helps prevent suicide among LGBTQ+ youth.
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“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,” Nassib wrote.
Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).
