Former NFL defensive end Carl Nassib has shared the emotional and deeply personal story behind his decision to come out as gay while still an active player in the National Football League—a historic moment that made headlines around the world.
Speaking candidly during a recent episode of The Pivot Podcast, Nassib reflected on the years-long process that led to his public coming out in 2021. The former Las Vegas Raiders player became the first active NFL player in league history to announce that he is gay. His decision was widely praised for its courage and significance in the realm of professional sports.
“I knew I wanted to do it for years before that,” Nassib said on the podcast, acknowledging the weight of the decision and the potential career risks. “There were a few catalysts that made me feel like I had to do it when I did.”
One of the most pivotal moments for Nassib came in 2019, when his uncle Bill — who was also gay — passed away from cancer. Nassib, already out to close friends and immediate family, described his uncle as a “touchpoint” in his life. He recounted a poignant moment when he came out to his uncle while visiting him on his deathbed.
“We were from a huge family — 44 first cousins — and he was the only gay person in the family,” Nassib said. “When I came out to him, he and his husband were there, and he said, ‘This is the biggest weight off of my chest. I’m not the only one.’”
That moment stuck with Nassib, who realized the broader impact of sharing his truth. “There are probably so many people out there who are going to feel that same way,” he said. “I felt really charged after that to come out publicly.”
Despite his desire to come out sooner, Nassib said the timing never felt right. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the nationwide protests following the death of George Floyd led him to delay the announcement.
“I read the room and thought, ‘Now’s not the right time,’” he explained. “There were bigger things going on. It didn’t feel like the right moment to insert my own story into a national conversation about justice and health.”
The opportunity finally came in June 2021. In a now-famous Instagram video, Nassib casually stood in front of his house and said, “I just want to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay.” Along with the announcement, he pledged a $100,000 donation to The Trevor Project, a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ+ youth and works to prevent suicide.
The response was overwhelming. Fans, fellow players, celebrities and LGBTQ+ organizations praised Nassib for his bravery. The NFL itself matched his donation to The Trevor Project and released a statement of support.
While Nassib acknowledged that coming out carried risks, particularly in a traditionally conservative and hypermasculine sport like football, a sense of security from his newly signed contract helped ease the decision.
“Signing a great contract with the Raiders, which had a bunch of guaranteed money, gave me confidence,” he said. “I realized, ‘Damn, now they can’t touch me.’ I felt financially secure, and that allowed me to focus on living authentically.”
At the time, Nassib was playing with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he had joined in 2020 on a three-year, $25 million contract. The deal included $16.75 million guaranteed, providing the financial and professional stability that bolstered his confidence.
Nassib retired from professional football in September 2023 after a short second stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team that originally drafted him in 2016. He also previously played for the Cleveland Browns.
Though his NFL career has concluded, Nassib’s legacy continues to resonate across the league and beyond. His coming out marked a turning point not just for LGBTQ+ representation in sports, but also for broader cultural conversations about inclusion and acceptance.
Since stepping away from football, Nassib has remained active in advocating for LGBTQ+ issues. He has continued to work with The Trevor Project and has spoken at multiple events about mental health, self-acceptance, and the power of visibility.
“I wish we lived in a perfect world where I could have come out earlier and been there for [my uncle] more,” Nassib said. “But we don’t live in that world yet. Hopefully, we’re moving toward it.”
In the years following his announcement, a few other athletes across various sports have also come out publicly, citing Nassib as an inspiration. His message has been especially impactful for young LGBTQ+ people, particularly those in sports environments where being openly gay is still rare.
“I just wanted to show that it’s possible,” Nassib said. “You can be yourself and still do the job. You can be gay and play in the NFL.”
As Nassib moves into the next phase of his life, his impact on sports and LGBTQ+ representation remains indelible. His story continues to inspire countless individuals, on and off the field.
To listen to Carl Nassib’s full interview on The Pivot Podcast, visit [insert podcast platform link].
