NFL News: Raiders Defensive End Donates $100,000 To Trevor Project, Comes Out As Gay

In an Instagram video posted on Monday, June 21, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib comes out to admit that he is gay, making him the first active NFL player in history to do so.

Nassib was a third-round pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 2016 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-7 All-American was waived by the Browns and was quickly claimed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in September 2018.

In Tampa Bay, he made his name among one of the league’s better defensive linemen by recording career highs in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (12) that same year.

The "Hard Knocks" star made a name for himself in the show by giving out financial advice to his teammates, most notably fellow defensive lineman Todd Haley.

Signing with the Raiders for a three-year deal worth $25 million, the pass-rusher was brought in to bring some depth to the team’s defense, making them better in the long term.

“Just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay,” said Nassib. “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’ve got friends, family, and a job that a guy can ask for.”

“I’m a pretty private person, so I hope you guys know I’m not really doing this for attention,” he continued. “I just think that representation and visibility are so important. I actually hope that one-day videos like this and the whole coming-out process are just not necessary. But until then, I’m going to do my best and do my part to cultivate a culture that’s accepting, that’s passionate.”

Nassib follows in the footsteps of Michael Sam, who was the NFL’s first publicly gay player to be drafted in the NFL.

The announcement comes in perfect timing as June has been declared as “Gay & Lesbian Pride Month” by President Bill Clinton on June 11, 1999.

Pride Month was then expanded to include members of the bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual orientations.

Nassib’s revelation was quickly received with open arms by the league, commissioner Roger Goodell, and fellow players.

Nassib has also announced that he will be donating $100,000 to the Trevor Project, a confidential crisis support group for LGBTQ youth.

Despite the ground-breaking announcement, Nassib wanted to make sure that his focus is still on helping the Raiders have a solid 2021 run.

“Please do not take it personally if I decline an interview or am unable to answer your questions,” he stated. “Thank you everyone for your support. Happy Pride Month and Go Raiders.”