Openly gay nfl players 2024

Although Nassib was the first to publicly identify as gay while being fielded in the NFL, other players have come out after retiring. Dave Kopay is known as the first to do so, revealing his sexuality in , three years after hanging up his boots. OnThisDay Queerstory pic. Kopay and Smith are said to have had a brief affair while teammates, but the latter kept his sexuality private while in the NFL.

Why not me? Last year, Hampton University football player Byron Perkins made history when, as a junior at the school, he became the first football player at an HBCU to come out as gay. The defensive back thanked his family, friends, and coaches for supporting him over the years and stated that their advice and mentorship have led him to become who he is today. I pride myself on growth and development.

Sam will become the first-ever openly gay footballer to play for the league next season. He's tackled stereotypes and joins the ranks of athletic trailblazers like Jason Collins and Brittney Griner in showing Americans that there's no place for homophobia on the field. As support for equality continues to surge, it's clear that sports fans are ready, football is ready, and America is ready for its first openly gay NFL player. He was also selected as one of 10 unanimous first-team all-Americans.

Football has given me more than I ever could have imagined. I can truly hang up my helmet for the last time knowing I gave it everything I had. Growing up I loved how fun football was. I loved the pursuit of perfection.