COLUMBUS, Ohio — Carl Nassib made history, becoming the first openly gay active NFL player.
What You Need To Know
- The Las Vegas Raiders defensive end made the historic announcement on his Instagram account
- His announcement is hitting close to home for many athletes in Ohio
- Nassib started his NFL career as a member of the Cleveland Browns
“I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest,” Nassib said on his Instagram account. “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 not doing this for attention. I just think that representation and visibility are so important.”
The message was heard across the sports world and beyond.
David Achille, the coach and president of the Columbus Kodiaks Rugby Football Club, an inclusive rugby team, said it is a big moment for LGBTQ athletes like himself.
The former Ohio State swimmer and rugby player didn't share his sexual orientation during his years as a student athlete. He hopes Nassib's decision leads to a more accepting future for athletes.
“Gay players in rugby, it’s hard because it’s always kind of looked upon as we’re weak,” said Achille. “And now seeing a pro-football player come out saying that, it’s kind of like a beacon, it’s a light at the end of the tunnel for everything I’ve worked for over the last few years.”
Nassib also pledged to donate $100,000 to The Trevor Project, an organization dedicated to crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.
Nassib spent two seasons with the Browns before being waived. He was featured on the Browns season of the HBO series “Hard Knocks,” where he gained a following for his financial advice.