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Carl Nassib in play for the Las Vegas Raiders
Photo: John Bazemore / AP
As the first active football professional from the NFL, Carl Nassib of the Las Vegas Raiders made his homosexuality public.
“What's up guys, I just wanted to take a moment and say I'm gay.
I've wanted to do this for a while and I'm finally comfortable getting rid of it, ”said the Defensive End in a video posted on Instagram on Monday.
The 28-year-old thanked his family and friends for their support, through whom he recently felt it was possible to "say publicly and proudly that I am gay".
This moment has tormented him for the past 15 years.
Nassib reported that he had received support from the NFL, his coaches and teammates.
He was immediately greeted with "the greatest respect and acceptance."
He doesn't take the step because he wants attention.
"I just think representation and visibility are so important," he said.
Nassib is entering his sixth season in the NFL and was two years for the Cleveland Browns and Tamba Bay Buccaneers before joining the Raiders in summer 2020.
The next season starts in September.
Initial reactions in the social networks were mostly positive and supportive.
Nassib received a heart from his team for the Instagram post in which he also announced a donation of 100,000 US dollars for the Trevor Project.
The organization runs a telephone counseling service for young LGBTQ people.
Praise from the NFL boss
The league has also already commented.
"The NFL family is proud of Carl that he shared his truth so courageously today," said NFL boss Roger Goodell on Monday (local time).
“We share his hope that statements like his will one day soon be out of news as we march towards full equality for the LGBTQ + community.
We wish Carl the best of luck for the upcoming season. "
Dealing with homosexuality is still a certain taboo subject (not only) in the North American professional leagues.
In 2013, professional basketball player Jason Collins made public that he was gay.
At the time, his statement made significant headlines.
Even the then US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama joined the debate with congratulations.
Despite such positive reactions, it is an open secret that worries about careers and the behavior of teammates and fans keep many professionals from being open about their sexuality.
jok / dpa