Carl Nassib made history when he became the first active NFL player to come out as gay. Now he's moving on to the next chapter.
Who is he? Nassib was a defensive end in the NFL.
- Over seven seasons, he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Las Vegas Raiders and the Cleveland Browns.
What's the big deal? Nassib shared the big news via Instagram that he would be retiring from the NFL.
- It was also on Instagram that Nassib came out as gay in 2021, posting a video where he put it simply: "I just want to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay. I've been meaning to do this for a while now. But I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest."
- Nassib says he will now dedicate himself to his company, Rayze, that seeks to better connect nonprofits to people online.
What are people saying?
Here's what Nassib wrote in his post on Instagram:
Want more on the NFL? Listen to the Consider This episode on why the NFL (still) has a diversity problem.
And here is Jim Buzinski, co-founder of Outsports.com, speaking to NPR in 2021 after Nassib came out about the significance of the moment:
So, what now?
- Nassib says he looks forward to working with the NFL on diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as philanthropic efforts in the future.
- And this is his advice to anyone with a dream of being the best: "Never let anyone convince you it's impossible. Be the best you can be in everything you do. Work hard, make smart decisions and be kind to others."
Learn more:
- Former NFL players speak out against the league's handling of disability benefits
- Fall football — or the fall of football?
- Women's gymnastics is changing in more ways than one
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