Carl Nassib, First Openly Gay NFL Player, Announces Retirement

Outside linebacker Carl Nassib, who made history in 2021 as the first openly gay active player in NFL history, announced his retirement from the league in an Instagram post on Wednesday. Nassib described it as a “bittersweet moment” and shared his plans for the future.

Highlights:

• Nassib, 30, played seven seasons with the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
• He will now focus on his app Rayze, which connects volunteers with nonprofits.
• Nassib intends to work with the NFL on diversity, equity, and inclusion matters and philanthropic endeavors.

What Nassib Said

In his Instagram post, Nassib expressed gratitude for his football career and the opportunities it provided him. He stated, “Football has given me more than I ever could have imagined. I can truly hang up my helmet for the last time knowing I gave it everything I had… 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.”

Backstory

Nassib was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft from Penn State University. After spending two seasons with the Browns, he was waived by the team in September 2018. Nassib then joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the remaining two seasons of his rookie contract. He later played two seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders before being released.

Returning to Tampa Bay last season, Nassib had a productive year, recording 3 1/2 sacks, 23 tackles, and three passes defended in 13 games. Throughout his career, he accumulated 187 tackles and 25 1/2 sacks across 99 games. Nassib also had the opportunity to play in two playoff games, one with the Raiders in 2021 and one with the Buccaneers in 2022.

Future Endeavors

With his retirement from professional football, Nassib plans to shift his focus to his app Rayze. The app aims to connect volunteers with nonprofits, facilitating meaningful contributions to various causes. Additionally, Nassib expressed his intention to collaborate with the NFL on matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as engage in philanthropic endeavors.

Conclusion

Carl Nassib’s retirement marks the end of a groundbreaking career in the NFL. As the first openly gay active player in the league’s history, Nassib has left an indelible mark on the sport. While bidding farewell to football, he looks forward to making a difference through his app and continuing his advocacy for diversity and inclusion within the NFL. Nassib’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of athletes and contribute to a more inclusive and accepting sports culture.

Required Reading

(Photo: Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images)