NFL star Carl Nassib is commemorating Pride Month with a historical statement.
The Las Vegas Raiders protective end openly came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood on Monday, June 21, ending up being the first-ever professional athlete to do so while an active member of the league.
“Right now, I am sitting in a moment of gratitude and relief,” he began his Instagram post. “Sadly, I have actually struggled over this minute for the last 15 years. Only up until just recently, thanks to my friends and family, specifically Connor, Cason, and Francis, did it appear possible for me to state openly and happily that I’m gay.”
Nassib thanked the NFL, his coaches and colleagues “for their support,” writing, “I would not have been able to do this without them. From the jump, I was greeted with the utmost respect and acceptance.”
The 28-year-old then acknowledged those who might not share in his favorable experience, prior to including, “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.”
