When Carl Nassib came out as gay, he made history as the first active NFL player to do so. He's currently on the subsequent chapter.
He is who? In the NFL, Nassib played defensive end.
He played for the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers over the course of seven seasons.
Why all the fuss? Nassib announced his big news—retiring from the NFL—via Instagram.
Nassib also came out as gay on Instagram in 2021, posting a video saying, "I just want to take a little moment to declare that I'm gay. This is something I've been meaning to accomplish for a while. But now that I'm secure enough, I can say it.
Nassib declares that he will now devote himself to Rayze, his business that aims to improve internet connections between nonprofits and people.
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What is being said?
Nassib wrote the following in his Instagram post:
It seems like yesterday when I first joined Penn State as a walk-on. More than I ever could have anticipated, football has given me. Knowing that I gave it my all, I can honestly put my helmet away for the last time.
Football was always so much fun when I was a kid. I enjoyed seeking perfection. Every athlete has a brief window in which to pursue their goals, and I enjoyed that. If you do, it makes the experience much more thrilling. Even as a walk-on, playing in the NFL was always my goal, so I truly feel like the luckiest man alive.
This kind of moment calls for thankfulness. I want to express gratitude to God, my family, and my friends for being there for me at all times, even when I wasn't aware of it. Brian Ayrault, my agent, is to be thanked. One of my best choices ever was sticking with you to WME. I came out to Brian in the football industry first, and he didn't bat an eye. He pushed and motivated me to make the biggest effect I could by going through with my announcement. I also want to thank John Spytek and Jason Licht. These two not once, but twice revived my career. They hired me both times after they fired me. Without those two football giants, I would not have had the opportunity to play my greatest football in Tampa.
Want to learn more about the NFL? Consider the Consideration This episode discusses the lack of diversity in the NFL (still).
And here's Jim Buzinski, co-founder of Outsports.com, on the significance of the moment with NPR in 2021 after Nassib came forward:
The first player you'll be able to recognize as gay while watching a game on television is Carl.
And whether they play football or another sport, every young LGBTQ athlete can now confidently assert, "I can do this; if he can do it, I can do it."
Sports allow for more tolerance. We've come a long way, but there are undoubtedly still many issues with homophobia in athletics. And the response to Carl's appearance sort of proves that. There isn't much more to say about it, so in many ways, it will be a one- or two-day tale. What are you going to do about the fact that he is gay other than celebrate him?
Carl Nassib will devote all of his time to his charitable app.
Getty Images/Ethan Miller
Then what?
Nassib said he is eager to collaborate with the NFL in the future on philanthropic initiatives as well as diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
And he offers the following guidance to everybody who aspires to be the best: Never let anyone tell you that something is impossible. In whatever you do, strive to be your best. Work hard, make wise decisions, and show others kindness.
