ABOVE: Carl Nassib. Photo via the NFL/Facebook.
TAMPA | The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reportedly signed a one-year deal with Carl Nassib, who became the first active NFL player to come out as gay last year.
ESPN reported the news Aug. 15, noting the outside linebacker “can serve in a rotational role for the Bucs.” Nassib previously played two seasons for Tampa Bay before joining the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020.
“In Tampa, Nassib reunites with first-year Bucs coach Todd Bowles, whom he played for when Bowles was in his first year as defensive coordinator under Bruce Arians in 2019,” ESPN reported. “Bowles previously has given high praise to Nassib for his work ethic, attitude, intelligence and passion for football.”
The NFL also shared the news, citing journalist Ian Rapoport:
Nassib came out during Pride Month 2021, advising he would donate up to $100,000 to the Trevor Project. The nonprofit focuses on suicide prevention efforts for LGBTQ youth.
“I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay,” Nassib said in his video message. “I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest … 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.”
The NFL also celebrated Nassib’s coming out.
“The NFL family is proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said at the time. “Representation matters. We share his hope that someday soon statements like his will no longer be newsworthy as we march toward full equality for the LGBTQ+ community.”
