Famous gay nfl players
"I'm the happiest and healthiest I've ever been in my life, and that means the world to me."
Throughout the NFL's 103-year history, a mere handful of athletes have publicly disclosed their homosexuality. In this arena, where many players perceive their career prospects jeopardized by such a revelation, profound courage is required to live authentically. Remarkably, it wasn't until 2021 that an active player boldly embraced their sexuality. But thanks to these courageous athletes sharing their stories, the NFL hopefully is progressing toward a more inclusive future.
Discover which football icons have embraced their homosexuality…
11 Celebs Who Dated Bachelor Nation Stars
View Story1. Carl Nassib
Carl Nassib, currently a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, became the first active NFL player to acknowledge their homosexuality. In a June 2021 Instagram video, Carl articulated their sexuality, expressing profound appreciation for the supportive community of teammates and coaches.
"I just wanted to take a brief moment to share that I'm gay," he declared. "For some time, I've intended to discuss this, but now feel empowered to express myself. I'm incredibly fortunate to have the best life, family, friends, and profession a person could ask for… I aspire to comprehend the history of our courageous LGBTQ community and participate in the fight for equality and acceptance."
2. Dave Kopay
Former football star Dave Kopay, a pioneer in sports, bravely came out in a 1975 interview years after retiring. Though he published a best-selling autobiography, he experienced considerable ostracism within the football community, encountering obstacles in securing coaching positions. Yet, Dave notes a positive response from fans following his disclosure.
"I received very few negative reactions," he commented to Outsports. "Instead, many supporters shared their own stories. Hundreds of encouraging letters poured in."
13 Celebrity Memoirs From This Year You Need To Read
View Story3. Michael Sam
While a college player for the Missouri Tigers, Michael Sam publicly disclosed their homosexuality. In 2014, he became the first openly gay player to be drafted by a professional team, selected by the St. Louis Rams. Although released prior to official roster inclusion, he subsequently played for the Montreal Alouettes, becoming the inaugural openly gay player in Canadian Football League history.
4. Colton Underwood
Colton Underwood, having previously played for teams such as the San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders, retired from football in 2016. Subsequently, they gained prominence on "The Bachelor," engaging in a relationship with Cassie Randolph. Despite their relationship's eventual dissolution, Colton disclosed their homosexuality in 2021. Sharing that they were coerced into disclosing their sexuality, Colton articulated their newfound contentment.
"I'm experiencing a profound sense of happiness and well-being, which deeply influences my life," they shared. "My past presented challenges, but now I'm in a more positive and fulfilling space. I've overcome adversity and that's why I'm expressing myself now."
13 Celebrities That Are Super Active And Real On TikTok
View Story5. Ryan O'Callaghan
Drafted by the New England Patriots in 2006, Ryan O'Callaghan enjoyed a five-year professional career, also including time with the Kansas City Chiefs. He finally acknowledged their homosexuality in 2017, revealing that, at times, they'd rather not have lived. This decision followed their struggle with painkiller abuse and therapy.
"Being gay profoundly impacted my life," Ryan shared with Outsports. "However, now that I'm out, it's no longer a preoccupation. My daily routines in football were challenging, always mindful of potential exposure and the need to hide my identity."
6. Kwame Harris
Kwame Harris, having played five seasons in the NFL for the San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders, retired in 2008. Unprepared to discuss their homosexuality, Harris's sexuality was disclosed during a 2013 arrest stemming from a domestic dispute. Reflecting on this experience, they wish they'd been braver sooner.
"I never anticipated combining these two aspects [acknowledging homosexuality and professional football]," Harris remarked to CNN. "However, reflecting on this, I now recognize that I could have found the courage and grace to make this difficult choice sooner."
Colton Underwood Discusses Bachelor 'Regret' After Coming Out
View Story7. Ryan Russell
Beginning his football career in 2015, Ryan Russell subsequently played for the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Buffalo Bills. Retiring in 2018, Russell publicly articulated their bisexuality in a touching ESPN essay. Subsequently, Russell actively works toward a more inclusive NFL environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.
"I'm proud to be an openly bisexual Black man. It's time the NFL acknowledged and embraced me and others like me as active members of the NFL family," they expressed in an essay for Out. "Football is for everyone, and since publicly acknowledging my sexuality in August 2019, I've striven to ensure this is the case."
8. Roy Simmons
Roy Simmons, an offensive lineman, played from 1979 to 1983 for the Giants and Redskins. He became the second NFL player to publicly disclose their homosexuality in 1992. He was also the first to reveal their HIV positive status. Subsequently, he released the 2006 memoir "Out of Bounds: Coming Out of Sexual Abuse, Addiction, and My Life of Lies in the NFL."
11 Heartwarming Celebrity Coming Out Stories
View Story9. Jeff Rohrer
Jeff Rohrer, a Dallas Cowboy player in the 1980s, disclosed their homosexuality in 2018. Previously married to a woman, Rohrer married their boyfriend, Joshua Ross, making them the first NFL player to wed in a same-sex marriage.
"Had I disclosed my homosexuality to the Dallas Cowboys in the 1980s, I would likely have been released. Things were quite different back then; openly embracing homosexuality wasn't acceptable," Rohrer recounted to the New York Times. Adding, "Following my divorce, I embraced my true self, and eventually found Joshua, allowing me to live the life I was meant to live."
10. Esera Tuaolo
Esera Tuaolo, nicknamed "Mr. Aloha," played nine seasons in the NFL with teams including the Minnesota Vikings. Following his 2002 retirement, he publicly disclosed their homosexuality on HBO's Real Sports. Attributing a transformative impact to Dave Kopay's autobiography, Tuaolo stated it helped them overcome feelings of isolation.
"My mother was incredibly important to me, yet Dave Kopay's life story profoundly affected my outlook. Reading his book brought me to tears as I recognized aspects of myself in his experiences," Esera stated on "Good Morning America."