NFL Donates $100K To Trevor Project In Honor of Carl Nassib

October 13, 2024
ALEXANDER

NFL Donates $100K To Trevor Project In Honor of Carl Nassib

This last summer, we saw a record number of out athletes competing in the Paris Olympics. Even so, the sports world is one of the slowest genres to become inclusive of the queer community. Certain sports players are still being called out for anti-LGBTQ comments, the trans community is a hot topic in the field, and a number of athletes remain in the closet. Still, there has been some progress in major fields like football and baseball. Last week, in honor of National Coming Out Day, the NFL donated $100,000 to the Trevor Project in honor of out athlete Carl Nassib's efforts in the representation of the queer community in football.

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Nassib stated, "When I came out in 2021, it was important to me to let LGBTQ+ young people know that they are not alone. It has been an absolute honor to use my platform to shine a light on The Trevor Project’s life-saving services. The Trevor Project is near and dear to my heart, so it’s especially meaningful to me that the NFL has renewed their $100K commitment to support the organization’s mission to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people.”

Homophobia in sports has been an ongoing issue. Some of us gays remember changing in the locker room and being forced to participate in sports we didn't want to. I actually took dance class, being the only boy in that class, just to avoid PE. I still got bullied. The Trevor Project revealed that 68% of LGBTQ youth have not participated in sports, with many stating discrimination from their peers and coaches as a reason. The organization is urging coaches, athletic directors, and teammates to create safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ athletes.

Carl Nassib was the first rostered NFL player to come out. He completed seven seasons and over 100 NFL games for the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Las Vegas Raiders as a linebacker before retiring last year. Since then, he has worked with the NFL on DEI and philanthropic efforts. When he first came out, the NFL and the Raiders matches his donation to the Trevor Project.

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Thank you, Carl for all of the work you are doing on behalf of our community. Is it in poor taste to post an amazing picture of Nassib with his huge bulge showing? Of course, we are Fleshbot after all! You're welcome.