Carl Nassib of Las Vegas Raiders Becomes the First Active NFL Player To Announce He Is Gay
Carl Nassib of Las Vegas Raiders Becomes the First Active NFL Player To Announce He Is Gay
Carl Nassib of the Las Vegas Raider has made history by becoming the first-ever active NFL player to announce he is gay.
Nassib made the announcement on Instagram yesterday.
Speaking in a video, Nassib, who was signed by the Raiders in March 2020, said, "I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay."
He continued:
"I've been meaning to do this for a while now but 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 can ask for."
In the video, which comes during Pride Month, Nassib revealed he is "not doing this for attention," he just believes "that representation and visibility are so important."
"I actually hope that like one day, videos like this and the whole coming out process are not necessary, but until then I am gonna do my best and do my part to cultivate a culture that's accepting that's compassionate."
Nassib has been appluaded by thousands for his announcement, including NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell weighs in on #Raiders DE Carl Nassib’s “courageous” coming out. pic.twitter.com/4k73drunql
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 21, 2021
"The NFL family is proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today," Goodell said in a statement.
"Representation matters. We share his hope that someday soon statements like his will no longer be newsworthy as we march toward full equality for the LGBTQ+ community. We wish Carl the best of luck this coming season."
In a statement alongside his video, Nassib thanked "the NFL, my coaches and fellow players" for the support they had given.
Proud of you, Carl 🖤 pic.twitter.com/R9aJxYFefW
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) June 21, 2021
"I would not have been able to do this without them. I feel especially thankful to have had so much support when many who came before – and many even now – do not."
The NFL star then revealed that he would be donating $100,000 to The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ+ youth.
Carl Nassib - we salute you 🏳️🌈
— Nick McCarvel (@NickMcCarvel) June 21, 2021
First openly gay active NFL player in history.
His message couldn't be more beautiful - and a $100K donation to @TrevorProject.
"I'm going to do my best to cultivate a culture that is accepting and compassionate."https://t.co/6E9UK3vbeR
As per CNN, his donation will reportedly help to scale up crisis services.
Amit Paley, CEO and executive director of The Trevor Project told CNN: "The Trevor Project is grateful to Carl Nassib for living his truth and supporting LGBTQ youth. Coming out is an intensely personal decision, and it can be an incredibly scary and difficult one to make. We hope that Carl's historic representation in the NFL will inspire young LGBTQ athletes across the country to live their truth and pursue their dreams."
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