Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib has solidified himself as a trail blazer in the world of sports — becoming the first active openly gay player in NFL history.
Finally “comfortable enough to get it off his chest” on Monday afternoon, Nassib bravely posted his first coming-out message to the public on Instagram. He also added that he would donate $100,000 to the Trevor Project, an organization committed to providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to members of the LGBTQ+ community.
In response to this post, countless fans, media members and former NFL stars took to social media to commend Nassib’s courage.
On Tuesday afternoon, former Raider and two-sport athlete superstar Bo Jackson became the most recent name on that list.
“Proud of Carl Nassib on coming out yesterday,” Jackson wrote. “The #RaiderNation, the whole country, and I stand with you.”
Proud of Carl Nassib on coming out yesterday. The #RaiderNation, the whole country, and I stand with you.
— Bo Jackson (@BoJackson) June 22, 2021
Jackson played for the Los Angeles Raiders from 1987-1990. In his four years with the franchise, the dynamic running back logged 3,134 yards and 18 total touchdowns — all while simultaneously serving as a star left fielder for the Kansas City Royals.
Jackson isn’t the only former NFL superstar to congratulate Nassib. On Monday, nine-time Pro-Bowl quarterback Warren Moon took to Twitter to express his well wishes — also adding that he played with “several guys” who were never comfortable enough to come out.”
Noting the importance of visibility on the issue, Nassib said he hopes his message will make sure “videos like this and the whole coming-out process are just not necessary.”
His courage is no doubt a step in the right direction for gay acceptance in the world of sports.
If you’d like to donate to the Trevor Project, click here.
The post Former Raiders Star Bo Jackson Has Message For Carl Nassib appeared first on The Spun.
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