Who is Carl Nassib? All you need to know about the first openly gay player in the NFL
Carl Nassib's journey from NFL standout to history-maker just took another meaningful turn. His Raiders jersey will now be permanently displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
'I just want to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay,' Nassib had revealed in a heartfelt 2021 Instagram video. His courage not only broke barriers in the NFL but continues to inspire inclusion and acceptance nationwide.
All about Carl Nassib, first openly gay player in the NFL
Early life and background
Born on April 12, 1993, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Carl Paul Nassib grew up in a football-oriented family. Attended Malvern Preparatory School before enrolling at Penn State University, where he walked on to the football team.
College Career
Nassib started as a walk-on at Penn State, earning a scholarship and becoming a standout player. In 2015, his lone season as a starter, he led the NCAA with 15.5 sacks and won the Lombardi Award as the nation's top college lineman or linebacker. His performance showcased his work ethic and grit, traits he later emphasized as key to success in football regardless of personal identity.
NFL career
Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Nassib played seven seasons across three teams:
Cleveland Browns (2016–2017): Played two seasons, part of a challenging 0-16 season in 2017.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018–2019, 2022): Had two stints, totaling three seasons.
Las Vegas Raiders (2020–2021): Played two seasons, during which he made his historic announcement.
Over 100 games, Nassib recorded 25.5 sacks, 187 tackles, 59 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, and one interception.
On September 13, 2021, in a Monday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Nassib made a game-changing strip-sack on quarterback Lamar Jackson in overtime, leading to a Raiders' 33-27 victory. This marked him as the first openly gay player to appear in an NFL regular-season game.
Coming out and historic milestone
On June 21, 2021, Nassib came out as gay via an Instagram video from his home in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He stated, 'I just want to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay.
I've been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest.' He emphasized the importance of representation and visibility, hoping that coming out would one day be unnecessary.
Carl Nassib opens up on his football journey & coming out as NFL's first Gay player| The Pivot
Nassib revealed he agonized over the decision for 15 years, describing himself as a private person not seeking attention. A pivotal moment came during a conversation with his openly gay uncle, who was dying of cancer, which inspired Nassib to come out publicly to support others.
A humorous incident during a 2020 game against the Browns, where players reacted negatively to Nassib using 'gay' as a derogatory term, also reassured him of allies in the NFL.
His announcement was widely praised by the NFL, teammates, fans, and media. The NFL issued a statement supporting Nassib's courage and commitment to equality, and the Raiders matched his $100,000 donation to The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth.
While Michael Sam was the first openly gay player drafted by the NFL (St. Louis Rams, 2014), he never played in a regular-season game. Nassib's active participation set a new precedent, building on Sam's groundwork.
Post-NFL career and legacy
Nassib announced his retirement on September 6, 2023, calling it a 'bittersweet' moment. He shifted focus to his company, Rayze, a social media platform connecting volunteers with nonprofits, inspired by his volunteering experiences with the Buccaneers.
Nassib has continued supporting The Trevor Project, including announcing a Cleveland Browns draft pick in 2024 alongside the organization's founder. He also works with the NFL on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, leveraging his unique perspective as an openly gay former player.
On May 21, 2025, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History began displaying Nassib's No. 94 Raiders jersey from the 2021 Ravens game, recognizing his historic contribution to 'Athletic Achievement and Social Progress.'
Nassib's coming out was a landmark for the NFL and men's professional sports, demonstrating that openly gay athletes could thrive without compromising their careers. Media analyses noted widespread support, suggesting a shift toward inclusive masculinity in sports.
His visibility inspired others, including Jacksonville Jaguars assistant strength coach Kevin Maxen, who came out in 2023. Nassib's actions provided a model for future athletes, emphasizing personal authenticity and professional success.
While Nassib remains the only NFL player to come out while active, his experience highlighted growing acceptance in sports, though challenges like homophobia persist. He expressed hope that more players would come out on their own terms.
Nassib described football as a 'punishing industry' where work ethic, perseverance, and grit outweigh personal identity. He valued the NFL's support and aimed to foster a compassionate culture.
Known for financial savvy, Nassib gained attention during HBO's Hard Knocks for advising teammates on savings, reflecting his practical approach to life. Carl Nassib's journey from a Penn State walk-on to an NFL trailblazer underscores his resilience and commitment to authenticity. His historic coming out in 2021, impactful play, and ongoing philanthropy through Rayze and The Trevor Project have cemented his legacy as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports.
His Smithsonian recognition ensures his story will inspire future generations.
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