Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, a leading LGBTQ advocacy organization, called 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.”Įllis said 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, especially youth, that they too can one day grow up to be and succeed as a professional athlete like him.” “Congrats to Carl Nassib on coming out that’s a big step, I think that most players are concerned if you can play or not,” Merriman tweeted.Īdded fellow Nittany Lions alum and Giants running back Saquon Barkley, “Much respect brudda.” The Raiders showed their support, writing, “Proud of you, Carl,” on their repost of Nassib’s message on Twitter and adding a black heart emoji.ĭeMaurice Smith, executive director of the NFL Players Association, 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.”įormer All-Pro linebacker Shawne Merriman commended Nassib and suggested teammates and opponents won’t have a problem with his announcement. “I hope other sports executives will join me in publicly expressing their support as well.” “Proud to support Carl and his decision to come out as the first active gay player in the NFL,” Burke said.
Burke has been a major proponent of LGBTQ rights for more than a decade since his late son Brendan came out as gay. Nassib’s announcement also was greeted by Brian Burke, president of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins. We wish Carl the best of luck this coming season.”
We share his hope that someday soon statements like his will no longer be newsworthy as we march toward full equality for the LGBTQ+ community. “The NFL family is proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. Nassib, whose announcement came during Pride Month, added that he was donating $100,000 to the Trevor Project, a nonprofit that seeks to prevent suicides among LGBTQ youth. From the jump I was greeted with the utmost respect and acceptance.” “I would not have been able to do this without them. “I am also incredibly thankful for the NFL, my coaches, and fellow players for their support,” Nassib wrote.
“We could not be more excited to partner with Venice Pride and support our LGBTQ community.Nassib added in a written message that followed the video that he “agonized over this moment for the last 15 years” and only recently decided to go public with his sexuality after receiving the support of family and friends. “Equity, diversity and inclusion are as fundamental to our organization as bump-and-run coverage, the three-step drop and gap technique,” said Chargers VP Kimberley Layton, using terms that sent us running to Google. (That’s the kind of rivalry we can get behind.) Chargers are also sponsoring the sign lighting, but the Rams signed on to sponsor the letter “C ” first, in early May, so they’re getting credit for being first. “Inclusion has always been a valued part of our organization and we see this as a unique way to publicly celebrate the diversity that makes this community so special.” (The team was also the first to sign an African-American, in 1946.) If you choose to be inclusive, that’s the more prosperous approach, not just for the LGBTQ community but for everybody.”Ī Rams spokesperson said the team is proud to “stand in alignment with the LGBT community that is such an important part of the fabric of Los Angeles.” In 2014, the Rams drafted Michael Sam, the first openly gay player in NFL history. “The ultimate message is: inclusion wins. “It opens a place for our community within the NFL,” Venice Pride director Grant Turck. Was Venice Pride a glimpse of the future? | By Tim Miller | ThePrideLA #LGBTQ #lgbt #love #veniceprideĪ post shared by Venice Pride on at 1:29am PDT