The NFL has had a long history of gay inclusion, as well as some pretty “gay” storylines.
In fact, the first former pro athlete in all of American sports to come out was former NFL player David Kopay, four decades ago.
Still, the NFL has had only two active players — Carl Nassib and Michael Sam — come out publicly as gay.
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Get off the sidelines and into the game
Here are some of of the “gayest” moments in NFL history:
There is no more significant moment in LGBTQ sports history in the United States than the time fomer NFL player David Kopay came out publicly as gay. Having played for several NFL teams, his revelation was a revelation.
Aaron Rodgers has been the subject of speculation about his orientation for years. So when his long-time live-in assistant got shown the door, speculation exploded. It happened to come very shortly after his Cal teammate, Ryan O’Callaghan, came out to him privately as gay. In response, Rodgers gave an interview that seemed to make things worse for him.
“I’m not gay. I really, really like women. That’s all I can really say about that.” Like, really, REALLY likes them.
Jerry Jones has, over the last three-plus decades, been one of the most prominent owners of an NFL franchise. That includes his Texas-sized celebration of his team’s “glory hole.”
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has been exuberant about his support for the local gay flag football community in and around the Boston area. In fact, Kraft and CBS worked with the NFL on creating a video that captures the essence of LGBTQ-inclusive flag football.
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Chris Cooley, who was at the time an NFL-leading tight end for the Washington Redskins, “accidentally” shared a photo of his playbook… and his penis.
When Michael Sam came out as gay ahead of the 2014 NFL Draft, it created an earthquake. The Missouri Tigers defensive end was the first NFL prospect to come out publicly as gay. He was drafted in the seventh round by the St. Louis Rams — and he should have been drafted sooner. The repercussions of his coming out and draft status are still being felt.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has spoken publicly about his gay brother — Michael Goodell — multiple times. Every time, Roger advances the notion that people in and around the NFL.
Earlier this year, Goodell spoke to Outsports about his personal love for his gay brother. It resonated.
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Santonio Holmes was the MVP of Super Bowl XLIII. His performance directly led to the Steelers’ Super Bowl title.
And gurl has not disappointed gay fans, with a naked selfie.
Thanks Santonio!
When Carl Nassib, then a Las Vegas Raiders defensive end, came out publicly as gay, he created a tidal wave of response.
Thankfully, that response was largely positive. That included NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, as well as then-Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.
