16 former NFL players who came out as gay and bisexual in the past 61 years
Dorien Bryant, a wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, came out as gay in 2013 when he was 28 years old. But his mother had suspected he was gay in middle school when she found a gay p*rn magazine.
Ray McDonald, a running back for Washington Redskins, was arrested for having s*x with another man in public in 1968. Wade Davis, a wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans, carried the 'gay-is-weak' mantra in his head for the longest time. Many such coming-out stories revolve around 13 more former NFL players. Check out their breathtaking stories below.
Brad Thorson, offensive lineman for the Arizona Cardinals
2011 NFL season
Training camp
Thorson came out as gay in 2014 via his blog post - Seeing Through the Fog. He wrote, 'I'm gay. I'm also an athlete. For years, I struggled to unite these two identities in my own mind.'
Carl Nassib
, defensive end and linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2016 to 2022 NFL season
Regular season
Nassib came out as gay in June 2021 and became the first openly gay NFL player to play an NFL game in September 2021.
Colton Underwood, tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers
2014-2020 NFL season
Training camp
Underwood came out as gay in 2021 when he shared with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts, 'For me, I've run from myself for a long time, I've hated myself for a long time, and I'm gay. I came to terms with that earlier this year and have been processing all of that. The next step in all of this was sort of letting people know.'
Dave Kopay, running back for the San Francisco 49ers
1964-1972 NFL season
Regular season
Kopay came out as gay in 1975 via a Washington Star newspaper article that talked about former Washington Redskins player Jerry Smith. Kopay and Smith had had a sexual encounter.
Dorien Bryant, wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers
2008 NFL season
Training camp
Bryant came out as gay in 2013, but his mother had suspected he was gay in middle school when she found a gay p*rn magazine.
Esera Tuaolo, defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers
1991-1999 NFL season
Regular season
Tuaolo came out as gay in 2002 and shared with ESPN The Magazine in 2021, 'People ask me if I think a superstar football player will ever come out during his playing days. I hate to be negative, but I don't see it happening. The league just isn't ready for it, and neither are the fans.'
Jeff Rohrer, linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys
1982-1989 NFL season
Regular season
Rohrer came out as gay in 2018 and also became the first former NFL player to be in a same-sex marriage.
Jerry Smith, tight end for Washington Redskins
1965-1977 NFL season
Regular season
Smith came out as gay in 1978, and the NFL Network created a documentary titled 'A Football Life' on him.
Kwame Harris, offensive lineman for the Las Vegas Raiders
2003-2008 NFL season
Regular season
Harris came out as gay in 2013 when he was charged with assaulting his ex-boyfriend.
Martin Jenkins, defensive back for the Seattle Seahawks
1977 NFL season
Training camp
Jenkins came out as gay in 2020 and currently is the first openly gay California Supreme Court Associate Justice.
Michael Sam, defensive end for the St. Louis Rams and on the Dallas Cowboys' practice squad
2014 NFL season
Training camp
Sam came out as gay in 2014 and became the first openly gay player to be drafted into the NFL by the St. Louis Rams.
Ray McDonald, running back for Washington Redskins
1967-1968 NFL season
Regular season
McDonald never came out publicly as gay, but he was arrested for having s*x with another man in public in 1968 and passed away in 1993 due to complications from AIDS.
Roy Simmons, offensive lineman for the New York Giants
1979-1983 NFL season
Regular season
Simmons came out as gay in 1992, became HIV positive in 1997, and died at the age of 57 in 2014.
Ryan O'Callaghan, offensive lineman for the New England Patriots
2006-2011 NFL season
Regular season
O'Callaghan came out as gay in 2017 and had visited Los Angeles for his first-ever Pride celebration back then.
Ryan Russell, defensive lineman with the Dallas Cowboys
2015-2017 NFL season
Regular season
Russell came out as bisexual in 2019 and shared with ESPN and Outsports that he was a talented football player, a loyal lover, and a bisexual man.
Wade Davis, wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans
2000-2003 NFL season
Training camp
Davis came out as gay in 2012 and carried the 'gay-is-weak' mantra in his head.
Also Read:
'Acknowledging me before you drool all over my husband': Kylie Kelce forewarns fans to not post any drool comments on naked Jason Kelce tattoo | NFL News - Times of India
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Jerry Jones finally responds to Micah Parsons' trade demand with a six-word message to Cowboys fans
Tensions rise in Dallas as Jerry Jones responds to Parsons trade drama with cryptic six words (Imagn Images) The Dallas Cowboys are once again the center of offseason chaos, and this time, it's their defensive star, Micah Parsons, stirring the storm. Amid ongoing frustration over stalled contract talks, the two-time All-Pro linebacker formally requested a trade—sending a clear message that patience has run out. But just as quickly, team owner Jerry Jones stepped in to calm the rising tension, insisting there's no reason to panic. Trade demand from Micah Parsons met with strong six-word response from Jerry Jones When Parsons released a strongly worded statement on Friday—publicly acknowledging a March meeting with Jones that pivoted from leadership to contract talk—things got real. He noted that while he deferred discussions to his agent, the Cowboys had failed to respond with any negotiations. That, it seems, was the breaking point. 'I would say to our fans, don't lose any sleep over this,' Jones told reporters at training camp on Saturday, via Nick Harris of the Star-Telegram. His response, though brief, was aimed at cooling the emotional wave sweeping Cowboys Nation. Jones doubled down, saying he still isn't considering a trade, despite the very public fallout. What's unfolding is not unfamiliar territory in the NFL . Trade demands have become a modern leverage tactic, especially for elite players wanting long-term security. But for Cowboys fans, the revolving door of media spectacles can feel like a never-ending carousel. Parsons isn't just any player either—he's the cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense. With 52.5 career sacks in four seasons and a league-tied fifth-best 12 sacks last year, his production is nothing short of elite. Losing a player of his caliber isn't an option, and Jones knows it. What happens next for Dallas and their star defender? Although Jones insists there's no cause for concern, the fact remains that Parsons has officially put the team on notice. And while Jones pointed out, 'Micah took it off the table' when asked about the March discussion, the clock is now ticking louder than ever. If recent NFL history is any guide, this story likely ends with Parsons getting the massive deal he desires. But until ink meets paper, fans might find it hard to sleep easy—despite Jones' reassuring words. The Cowboys may not be trading Parsons, but the tension? That's here to stay. Also Read: Josh Allen ditches Tom Brady's mindset as he embraces Hailee Steinfeld and a family-first lifestyle For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Josh Allen ditches Tom Brady's mindset as he embraces Hailee Steinfeld and a family-first lifestyle
Josh Allen makes bold confession about love, football, and his future with Hailee (Getty Images) When the NFL season returns, the spotlight will inevitably land on Josh Allen. But this time, the Buffalo Bills quarterback isn't interested in being the next Tom Brady—or being trapped by the same win-at-all-costs narrative. As expectations mount for a Bills team still searching for its first Super Bowl, Allen is rewriting what success looks like—and it starts with finding happiness off the field. Josh Allen breaks free from the Brady Blueprint: Wants to chase joy over just rings I n a revealing conversation with CBS Sports, Allen opened up about how his personal and professional outlook has evolved. Surprisingly, it wasn't a football legend who sparked this change—it was golf's world number one, Scottie Scheffler. "Scottie Scheffler had that really good interview before The Open that spoke a lot to me, and I really appreciate him sharing those words," Allen shared. Scheffler's perspective—that life outside the game matters more than the trophies—hit home for Allen, who admitted he's often wrestled with the emotional rollercoaster of professional sports. Josh Allen opens up about coming up short of Super Bowl, talks winning MVP and upcoming season "It's maddening," Allen said of the effort-versus-results paradox in the NFL. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo "But at the same time, it helps put things in perspective about what matters in your life, and you figure out what that is fairly quickly." That clarity has helped Allen detach from fleeting accolades. Whether it's an MVP award or a historic playoff run, he's learned not to measure self-worth by what's handed out on stage. "It's kind of crazy where you're coming out here and doing everything you can for a quick enjoyment of it, and then you're on to the next," he explained. "It's like the MVP award. I don't look back and think about that night... I'm so moved on to trying to help this team win football games this year." Josh Allen will be focusing on creating a legacy that values people over pressure Allen's evolved philosophy is already resonating in the Bills' locker room. Rather than focusing solely on the elusive Super Bowl title, he's fostering a culture centered around camaraderie and commitment. "For sure, and going out there and playing free, and the main thing we always preach here is playing for each other and putting your best stuff out there," Allen emphasized. His mindset doesn't mean the fire to win is gone—it means the journey matters just as much as the destination. Allen understands that the true victory lies in building relationships, lifting teammates, and enjoying every step, regardless of the scoreboard. And maybe, just maybe, that's how lasting legacies are really made. Also Read: Hailee Steinfeld's latest workout photos break the internet as Josh Allen returns to Bills camp For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Jayden Daniels does not care much about what people say, he is still a 'Momma's boy': 'She's a mom first"
Jayden Daniels opens up on how his mom shapes his success (Getty Images) For most young men stepping into the NFL spotlight, image is everything. But for Jayden Daniels, authenticity means more than optics. Over the past year, he's faced a wave of online criticism — not for his performance, but for always having his mom, Regina Jackson, by his side. While some call it overprotective, Daniels sees something else entirely: unconditional love. And rather than distance himself, he's standing tall beside her — not just as her son, but as a grown man who knows the value of her presence. Jayden Daniels isn't fazed by criticism over his mom's presence While social media trolls continue to poke fun at Regina Jackson's ever-present role in Daniels' life — including viral moments like her third-wheeling on a dinner date or the now-famous Juju Watkins 'vibe-killer' episode — Daniels doesn't see her involvement as intrusive. He sees it as essential. 'She's a mom first. She's always going to be there to uplift me. But if I'm doing wrong, she's going to let me know. So, even though I'm 24 years old, I'm still a grown man, but I still gotta listen to my mom at some point,' Daniels said in an interview with the NFL Network. Rather than resenting her vigilance, Daniels appreciates it. Regina knows the risks that come with being a rising NFL star — from unwanted attention to possible exploitation — and she's not about to sit back and watch her son be vulnerable. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like NRIs Living In Croatia Are Eligible For INR 2 Lakh Monthly Pension. Invest 18K/Month Get Offer Undo The criticism labeling her as a 'helicopter parent' only underscores the double standards placed on protective mothers in the public eye. And while internet comedians have their laughs, Daniels continues to grow both as a player and a person, rooted in the firm guidance of his mother. A mother's watchful eye isn't holding him back — it's helping him soar Regina Jackson wasn't just present during the interview — she was beaming nearby, proud of the man her son has become. 'I'm very proud of him. The athlete, and the man you guys see… You always need your mommas around,' she said, capturing what many often forget — family is often the cornerstone of greatness. Jayden Daniel's Mom Explains To Ryan Clark Why She's So Protective Of Her Son Research supports the value of this kind of parent-child bond. Sons raised with emotional support from their mothers often exhibit stronger decision-making, healthier relationships, and better mental health. Daniels is a living testament to that. Calm under pressure, focused, and respectful, he's proving that emotional security isn't a liability — it's a competitive edge. In a world quick to judge, Daniels reminds us that sometimes, strength comes from knowing who you can always count on — even if it's your mom sitting beside you during dinner. Also Read: Hailee Steinfeld's latest workout photos break the internet as Josh Allen returns to Bills camp For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
