NFL: an openly gay first player

Las Vegas Raiders defensive lineman Carl Nassib became the first active player in NFL history to confess his homosexuality on Monday.

The 28-year-old made the announcement in a video posted to his Instagram account.

“I just wanted to take a moment to let you know I’m gay,” he said. I’ve wanted to do it for a long time, but I finally feel comfortable enough to share it. I really have the best life, the best family, the best friends and the best job a guy could ask for. ”

“I’m a pretty private person, so I don’t do it for attention. I just believe it’s important for visibility and representation. I really hope that one day videos like this and the whole “coming out” process are no longer necessary, but until we get there, I will do my best to encourage a healthy culture. acceptance and compassion, starting with a donation of $ 100,000 to the “Trevor Project”. It’s an amazing organization, the best for suicide prevention for youth in the LGBTQ community in the United States. ”

Nassib was a third-round pick (65th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 2016. The Penn State University product is set to begin his sixth season in the NFL and his second in the Raiders’ organization, he also spent two years with the Browns and two more with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 73 career games, he had 20.5 sacks, one interception and three fumbles, in addition to recovering one.