Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib on Monday became the first active NFL player to come out as gay.
“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.” “I am also incredibly thankful for the NFL, my coaches, and fellow players for their support,” Nassib wrote. “I would not have been able to do this without them. From the jump I was greeted with the utmost respect and acceptance.”
“The NFL family is proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today,” NFL commissioner Roger 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.”Nassib’s announcement was greeted by Brian Burke, president of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.