Carl Nassib, NFL's First Openly Gay Player, Retires From Football

Carl Nassib, the first openly gay NFL player to come out while on an active roster, has officially announced his retirement from football.

“This is a bittersweet moment for me but after seven seasons and just over 100 NFL games I am officially retiring from football to focus on my company Rayze. 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,” the 30-year-old outside linebacker said in an Instagram statement.

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He continued, “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.”

If you don’t know, Rayze is a “volunteer-based social media app focused on community involvement, positivity, and celebrating good in the world. We believe in character over clout.”

Carl played on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders.

Carl came out publicly in 2021 and received a ton of support. You can see several other NFL players who came out over the years.