Raiders Defensive Lineman Carl Nassib Comes Out As Gay

BY Erika Marie 2.5K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Ethan Miller / Staff / Getty Images
Carl Nassib
The sports star becomes the first active NFL player to come out.

Just ahead of the conclusion of Pride Month 2021, an NFL player has shared news about his sexuality. On Monday (June 21), Las Vegas Raiders star Carl Nassib shared a video to his Instagram page where he revealed to the world that he's gay. The 28-year-old defensive end stated that he'd been meaning to open up about his personal life for a while, and he detailed why he felt it was important to go public.

"What's up people, I'm Carl Nassib, I'm at my house here in Westchester, Pennsylvania. I just want to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay," the Raiders star began.

Ethan Miller / Staff / Getty Images

"I've been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest," Nassib continued. "I really got the best life. I have the best family, friends, job a guy could ask for. I'm a pretty private person, so I hope you guys know that I'm really not doing this for attention. I just think that representation and visibility are so important."

"I actually hope that like, one day, videos like this and the whole coming out process are just not necessary. But, until then, I'm gonna do my best and do my part to cultivate a culture that's accepting, that's compassionate, and I'm gonna start by donating $100,000 to The Trevor Project." The organization is hailed as the top foundation that works in suicide prevention in the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly with the youth. 

The response to Carl Nassib's news has been overwhelmingly supportive, so watch his video and check out a few responses below.

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.