Carl Nassib: First NFL player to come out as gay does so on Instagram

Carl Nassib came out as gay in an Instagram post, making NFL history as the first openly LGBTQ active player.

The 28-year-old Las Vegas Raiders defensive end came out in an Instagram post on Monday, and said he "agonized over this moment for the last 15 years."

"I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay," Nassib said in the video he posted during Pride Month. "I've been meaning to do this for a while now, but finally feel comfortable getting it off my chest. I really have the best family, friends, and job a guy can ask for."

He added that he's a "pretty private person" and asserted that he isn't coming out for attention, but that representation and visibility were important. In an ideal world, Nassib hoped, formally coming out wouldn't even be necessary. Until then, he plans to "cultivate a culture that's accepting," by donating $100,000 to the Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention and building community among LGBTQ youth.

In a statement included in the Instagram carousel, Nassib thanked the NFL, his coaches, and his fellow players for their support.

"From the jump, I was greeted with the utmost respect and acceptance," Nassib said. "I feel so especially thankful to have had so much support when many who came before — and many even now — do not. I stand on the shoulders of giants, incredible people who paved the way for me to have this opportunity."

The NFL tweeted Nassib's video, adding, "The NFL family is proud of you, Carl."

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also voiced support for Nassib's decision to come out. In a statement tweeted by Brian McCarthy, NFL vice president of communications, Goodell emphasized the importance of LGBTQ representation.

"The NFL family is proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today. Representation matters," Goodell's statement reads. "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."

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The Boston Globe reports that in the organization’s 101-year history, no openly gay player has played in a regular-season game. Several have come out as gay or bisexual after they retired. In 2014, defensive end Michael Sam came out as gay ahead of being drafted, and per the New York Times, was “on the path to be the first publicly gay player in the National Football League.” He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams that year, but did not make the cut to play during the regular season. Sam was not met with the same welcome after coming out, and left professional football for his mental health.

Nassib asked the public to “not take it personally” if he declined to answer questions.

“I am a lanky walk-on who is living his dream. I only have a small window to achieve greatness in my sport and I owe it to my team, coaches, and Raider fans to be completely locked in and at my best for the upcoming season,” Nassib concluded his Instagram post. “I’m a private person, so I’d ask the media to give me some space as I navigate this exciting time in my life.”