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A day after coming out, fans and supporters of Carl Nassib have rushed to buy the number ‘94’ jersey he wears for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Nassib, 28, who plays defensive end for the Raiders, came out via an Instagram video on Monday.
NFL-affiliated official merchandise, including team clothing, is sold through its e-commerce partner, Fanatics.
According to ESPN, on Monday and Tuesday, following Nassib’s announcement, his jersey shot up to the number one position on Fanatic’s jersey sales. Fanatics did not give an indication of how many had been sold.
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Related: Carl Nassib: What you need to know about the first active NFL player to come out as gay
As well as coming out as gay, Nassib praised the work done by the Trevor Project and highlighted the number of LGBTQ youth who battle mental health issues and have suicidal thoughts. Nassib said he was donating $100,000 to The Trevor Project to help it continue its work.
Yesterday, the NFL said it was going to match Nassib’s donation. In a tweet, it encouraged others to also think about donating to the non-profit.
“We stand beside you, Carl. Join us by contributing to the @TrevorProject and all it does for LGBTQ+ youth: http://thetrevorproject.org”
We stand beside you, Carl.
Join us by contributing to the @TrevorProject and all it does for LGBTQ+ youth: https://t.co/J8Q22Lyeu7 pic.twitter.com/TI51FbQPaL
— NFL (@NFL) June 22, 2021
Related: President Biden posts message to newly-out athletes Carl Nassib and Kumi Yokoyama
BaltoSteve
I really hope the sales are due in support of Nassib. However, my more pessimistic side realizes humanity has a habit of using burning effigies and the destruction of symbols as a form of protest. And a jersey is a good symbol to use.
RoughRugger
The one I bought is celebrating him 🙂
Openminded
Balto, I haven’t considered that as an option. Hope this is not the case. My pessimistic side says jersey sales are probably fairly stagnant this time of year so even a few dozen of his jerseys could possibly rank him as #1 sales. Anyhow, what ever jersey sales are, it’s a much better sign than seeing protest against him for coming out. My sarcastic side has to say WOW, WOW, WOW to Nassib for his PERSONAL donation of 100K and a lackluster wow to the NFL for their 100K donation which represents hardly nothing compared to their combined worth. It is still money for the project, but it’s obvious the NFL would not have responded to Nassib’s coming out with this donation if he hadn’t made the first move. Again, at lease the NFL is reacting in a positive way as opposed to what would have probably happened just a couple of decades ago.
johncp56
yes i,m thinking this as I was going to perches on amazon, I love that guy and I like the Raiders for their support
Cam
Of course it shot up to number one, Just like Sam’s jersey did when it was sold. There is a lot of pent up demand for a professional foootballer who is themselves.
cuteguy
So happy for him. He’s a trailblazer and pioneer and true American hero. He’s saving lives. He will go down in history as one of the true greatest of all time
AmberLeMay
94 is the new 69.
Catholicslutbox
4 is poking the 9 in the rear.
Openminded
Better be careful Amber, lots of folks didn’t find Bahar’s anal sex joke funny. As for me, I loved hers and find yours even more clever.
Fahd
He’s really done something special. I’d say he’s practically a Jackie Robinson of our era – look at all the stupid jokes he’s already having to endure (see Joy Behar and comments here, for example). Maybe it’s only the old people who are feeling threatened by change and reverting to homophobic humor to cope with the change. Anyway, I hope the good documentary filmmakers see their chance here – Hollywood, too – I hope he gets a percentage off his jerseys – he’s a generous guy who will pass it on.
wiggie
Yes, players get a percentage of merchandise sales with their name, jersey number, or likeness on it
Openminded
@Fahd, Be happy for his standing up and speaking his truth. That said, he can’t really be ranked with Jackie Robinson or other greats. He was like 4th from the last in the NFL draft which means he certainly isn’t first round material and will likely have a tough time staying in the NFL, gay or straight. Many are even speculating his coming out was a chess move to put the NFL in a spot where it will look like homophobia if he is let go. One can only hope he continues to grow and become a great player who continues to earn his position on the team.
Mister P
Good one AmberLeMay
Sanjo
I wonder who this gay registered Republican voted for in the last election.
Creamsicle
Doesn’t mean he’s a down the ballot voter. Plenty of people register Republican while personally having progressive politics.
WindsorOntario
Finally someone who has come out who I don’t have to roll my eyes and go ‘Oh Christ’ every time I see them on tv. I don’t know about the rest of you but I’ve been waiting for someone like Nassib to come out. I have, frankly, seen enough Bobby Trendy’s and Andy Cohen’s. I don’t need anymore rich-bitch types – we’ve got enough. Let’s have more athletes and guys from underrepresented groups at the table.
Rayisgay
Was never a football fan but now I am. Just ordered my #94 Jerseys!
ThinkPIease
See there are gay Republicans.