Carl Nassib has become the first active NFL player to come out as gay.
On Monday, June 21, the 28-year-old defensive lineman explained in a candid video to his 168,000 Instagram followers that he is finally comfortable enough to be open about his sexuality.
In honor of Pride Month, the Las Vegas Raiders player spoke from his home in West Chester, Pennsylvania, telling fans: "I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay."
Take a look at Nassib's coming-out post in the video below:He continued: "I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest.
"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 really not doing this for attention. I just think that representation and visibility are so important."
The player then thanked the NFL, his coaches, and fellow players in a follow-up written post, stating that he was only able to come out publically thanks to the support of friends and family.
He wrote: "I feel especially thankful to have had so much support when so many who came before - and many even now - do not. I stand on the shoulders of giants, incredible people, who paved the way for me to have this opportunity.
"I do not know all the history behind our courageous LGBTQ+ community, but I am eager to learn and to help continue the fight for equality and acceptance."
Nassib concluded by stating that he would be donating $100,000 to The Trevor Project - a nonprofit organization that seeks to prevent suicides among LGBTQ+ youth.
The player has since been praised by sports professionals and fans alike for making NFL history.
For example, Executive Director of the NFL Players Association Maurice DeSmith tweeted:
"Our union supports Carl and his work with the Trevor Project is proof that he - like our membership - is about making his community and this world a better place not for themselves, but for others."
Meanwhile, Nassib's former Penn State coach wrote in a statement of his own: "I am very proud of Carl for his courage and voice.
"This announcement doesn’t surprise me because if you know Carl, you know his strength. Carl’s story continues to add chapters that will have an impact well beyond the field of play.
"Carl’s brave announcement will forge a path for others to be true to their authentic self. I was proud of Carl when he led the nation in sacks, but I’m even more proud of him now."
Finally, the President & CEO of the LGBTQ+ organization GLAAD Sarah Kate Ellis wrote in a statement of her own:
"Carl Nassib's powerful coming out is a historic reflection of the growing state of LGBTQ visibility and inclusion in the world of professional sports, which has been driven by a long list of brave LGBTQ athletes who came before him."
She continued: "Carl Nassib's story will not only have a profound impact on the future of LGBTQ visibility and acceptance in sports but sends a strong message to so many LGBTQ people."
