Football player Carl Nassib, 30, announced this morning that he is retiring from the sport. The announcement comes a few days after it emerged he remained unsigned going into the new football season.
Nassib, who heralds from Pennsylvania, was the only out-gay player in the NFL. He came out in June 2021 while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders.
The team was supportive of his decision. However, the Raiders let him go in March 2022. There’s no suggestion this had anything to do with Nassib’s sexuality. Afterward, he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year contract. That expired earlier this year, leaving many wondering where Nassib might go next.
This morning on Instagram, Nassib posted several notes.
“This is a bittersweet moment for me but after seven seasons and just over 100 NFL games I am officially retiring from football to concentrate on my company Rayze,” Nassib said.
Launched last year, Rayze is an app that connects people with the nonprofits that interest them. It’s designed to support people in giving something back to the causes that matter to them. NBC News revealed it secured some major seed funding last year.
“It really feels like just yesterday starting out as a walk-on at Penn State. Football has given me more than I ever could have imagined,” Nassib continued on Instagram. “I can truly hang up my helmet for the last time knowing I gave it everything I had.
“Growing up I loved how fun football was. I loved the pursuit of perfection. I loved the small window where every player has to chase their dreams. It makes it all the more exciting if you get there. It was always my dream to play in the NFL, even as a walk-on, and I really feel like the luckiest guy on the planet.”
He went on to thank “God, my family and friends” for being there for him. He also thanked his agent, Bryan Ayrault.
“Brian was the first person in the football industry I came out to and he didn’t blink. He encouraged and motivated me to follow through with my announcement.”
Nassib went on to thank coaches, teammates and football bosses who had supported him in his career. He ended with some words of advice for others.
“To anyone who has a dream of being the best, never let anyone convince you it’s impossible. Be the best you can be in everything you do. Work hard, make smart decisions and be kind to others.
“I am so excited for the next chapter of my life and to give Rayze everything that I have. I am also looking forward to working alongside the NFL on DEI and exciting philanthropic efforts in the future. Wish me luck!”
We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?
What are you two talking about? He didn’t “suck,” he was a third round pick and played for SIX years (2016-2022) in the NFL. Do you have any clue how difficult it is to make an NFL team?
And @lather, “not good enough to make it to the majors”? Do you even know what the NFL is, let alone how it works? It is the “majors.” Playing for the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Las Vegas Raiders IS playing for the majors.
It’s good he’s getting out at 30, to give his brain and body a rest. He’s already in the history books with Michael Sam for being a LGBTQ pioneer, so it’s a very good idea to go out on top. Now will any current players follow his lead and come out?
Oh please. You know better than that. Nassib got nothing but unwarranted adulation (& drooling) from gay men even though he’s a registered Republican and Trump supporter.
His decision to come out was good for the NFL, football, overall, and everyone else, including him. I do believe he chose a career moment to come out when the reaction, if bad, wouldn’t have much impact on his career. Approachcing 30, he had a year left on his Raiders contract if I remember correctly.
Kudos to Tampa Bay for signing him as an openly gay player.
Seven seasons in the NFL is probably at least an average if not above average NFL career length. He’s walking away a multimillionaire and as far as I know, physically intact.
¡Enhorabuena! to him.
Who will be the next NFL players to come out? I will stay tuned.
It is more than double the average length of 3.3 years, the NFL average, (please see: ht tps: //w ww .espn. com/ blog/n flnation/ post/_/id/20 77 80/curr ent-an d-for mer-nfl-playe rs-i n-th e-drivers -seat-af ter-comple ting-m ba-prog ram )(sorry I had to chop of the URL, but Queerty has a thing about links in comments). Personally, if I were approaching 30 with millions and a full life ahead of me as a handsome, well-built gay man with drop of fame, I be a happy man.
He was an average player and like a lot of average players so reach 30 years or older, the teams decide to go with a younger player they can pay less. If it was about his sexuality, the Raiders and Buccaneers would not have had him on their teams the last couple of years.
However, in the “everyone’s a victim” mentality of today, you victims can believe what you want.
30 years old as a journeyman football player is OLD.
No team is going to pay millions of dollars for just a so-so player.
So out goes Carl Nassib! I’m a sports nut and can say this sort of
thing has happened to a whole slew of straight men! It’s not at all
a sexual/gay issue. It’s the reality of the sport. If you’re just average
and 30, you will be replaced by someone younger with more talent.
Lots of haters in here today. I am proud of Carl for coming out in a very hostile world as we see in this post. Carl boyfriend if you jerks took the time to read about him is very anti Trump so I have a hard time believing that he would be with someone who doesn’t share his politics. Can’t people just be happy for one another? Carl has NEVER come out in favor of Trump and what he is doing for the community is a lot more than most of these posters.
Give credit where credit is due, boys. Carl is an NFL role model for the community and best of luck with his future endeavors. Unfortunately, this Republican athlete fell terribly short and can be quickly forgotten in the LGBTQ history books for being an ally and supporter of a twice impeached, lying racist, criminally indicted, anti-democratic insurrectionist ex-president and grifter, DONALD J. TRUMP.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
RIGay
Sexuality had nothing to do with it. Right. “If we don’t hire him, we don’t have to worry about it.”.
Carlos
Let me summary this article for everyone. He basically sucked at football.
lather
If he was really bad he never would have gotten chosen in the first place. Apparently he’s just not good enough to make the majors.
Kangol2
What are you two talking about? He didn’t “suck,” he was a third round pick and played for SIX years (2016-2022) in the NFL. Do you have any clue how difficult it is to make an NFL team?
And @lather, “not good enough to make it to the majors”? Do you even know what the NFL is, let alone how it works? It is the “majors.” Playing for the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Las Vegas Raiders IS playing for the majors.
man5996853
I’m sure that he was thrilled to earn 23 million to suck at his job for 7 years. He really pulled one over on the club owners who paid his salary.
ZzBomb
@Carlos Your comment is a perfect example of where one should no speak if they don’t know what they are talking about.
Kangol2
It’s good he’s getting out at 30, to give his brain and body a rest. He’s already in the history books with Michael Sam for being a LGBTQ pioneer, so it’s a very good idea to go out on top. Now will any current players follow his lead and come out?
still_onthemark
His next career move will be to run for elected office in Pennsylvania as a gay Republican and then wonder why everyone hates him.
dbmcvey
I bet one reason there aren’t a lot of out football players is that not only are straight fans hostile, gays are bitchy and unsupportive.
still_onthemark
Oh please. You know better than that. Nassib got nothing but unwarranted adulation (& drooling) from gay men even though he’s a registered Republican and Trump supporter.
dbmcvey
Not according to a lot of the posts on this sub.
Fahd
His decision to come out was good for the NFL, football, overall, and everyone else, including him. I do believe he chose a career moment to come out when the reaction, if bad, wouldn’t have much impact on his career. Approachcing 30, he had a year left on his Raiders contract if I remember correctly.
Kudos to Tampa Bay for signing him as an openly gay player.
Seven seasons in the NFL is probably at least an average if not above average NFL career length. He’s walking away a multimillionaire and as far as I know, physically intact.
¡Enhorabuena! to him.
Who will be the next NFL players to come out? I will stay tuned.
MacAdvisor
It is more than double the average length of 3.3 years, the NFL average, (please see: ht tps: //w ww .espn. com/ blog/n flnation/ post/_/id/20 77 80/curr ent-an d-for mer-nfl-playe rs-i n-th e-drivers -seat-af ter-comple ting-m ba-prog ram )(sorry I had to chop of the URL, but Queerty has a thing about links in comments). Personally, if I were approaching 30 with millions and a full life ahead of me as a handsome, well-built gay man with drop of fame, I be a happy man.
D P
OMG, how long are Nassib jerseys going to be available?
banditboy
He was an average player and like a lot of average players so reach 30 years or older, the teams decide to go with a younger player they can pay less. If it was about his sexuality, the Raiders and Buccaneers would not have had him on their teams the last couple of years.
However, in the “everyone’s a victim” mentality of today, you victims can believe what you want.
Pietro D
30 years old as a journeyman football player is OLD.
No team is going to pay millions of dollars for just a so-so player.
So out goes Carl Nassib! I’m a sports nut and can say this sort of
thing has happened to a whole slew of straight men! It’s not at all
a sexual/gay issue. It’s the reality of the sport. If you’re just average
and 30, you will be replaced by someone younger with more talent.
Mister Dawson
Lots of haters in here today. I am proud of Carl for coming out in a very hostile world as we see in this post. Carl boyfriend if you jerks took the time to read about him is very anti Trump so I have a hard time believing that he would be with someone who doesn’t share his politics. Can’t people just be happy for one another? Carl has NEVER come out in favor of Trump and what he is doing for the community is a lot more than most of these posters.
Rambeaux
Girl, do some simple research. It took me less that 2 minutes.
He is a registered Republican and a Donald Trump supporter.
still_onthemark
We’re not mind readers. Queerty has never told us about most of that. Where did you find out these facts?
Jon in Canada
He’s a Homocon and thus is deserving of nothing but derision from sane LGBTQ’s
mz.sam
Give credit where credit is due, boys. Carl is an NFL role model for the community and best of luck with his future endeavors. Unfortunately, this Republican athlete fell terribly short and can be quickly forgotten in the LGBTQ history books for being an ally and supporter of a twice impeached, lying racist, criminally indicted, anti-democratic insurrectionist ex-president and grifter, DONALD J. TRUMP.