Current:Home > ScamsCarl Nassib, the NFL's first openly gay player, announces his retirement -AssetBase
Carl Nassib, the NFL's first openly gay player, announces his retirement
View
Date:2025-04-11 20:59:25
Defensive end Carl Nassib, the first openly gay NFL player to take part in a regular season game, has announced his retirement from pro football.
"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," Nassib wrote in a statement.
"To anyone who has a dream of being the best, never let anyone convince you it's impossible."
Nassib, 30, played seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders, recording 25.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and one interception.
However, he made history in the 2021 offseason when he announced in an Instagram video that he is gay.
PLAY TO WIN $10K: USA TODAY's Pro Football Survivor Pool is free to enter. Sign up now!
A standout in college at Penn State after joining the team as a freshman walk-on, Nassib led the NCAA in sacks and forced fumbles in 2015 on his way to being named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. That led to him being selected by the Browns in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft.
Nassib played two seasons with the Browns before the first of his two stints with the Buccaneers. He joined the Raiders for the 2020 season and made his announcement in June of 2021.
In his first game after coming out, Nassib forced a key fumble in a Monday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens, knocking the ball loose from quarterback Lamar Jackson and setting up the Raiders' game-winning touchdown.
He returned to the Buccaneers last season, playing in 13 games and making one start.
However, he said it's now time to move on to the next phase of his life, working with the nonprofit company Rayze − which bills itself as a "mobile platform that uses positive social media" to encourage people to "give back in the form of volunteering and donations."
Nassib also says he'll be working with the NFL on diversity issues and philanthropic efforts going forward.
veryGood! (3524)
Related
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- How to watch 'The Daily Show' live episode after Tuesday's VP debate
- Ronan Day-Lewis (Daniel's son) just brought his dad out of retirement for 'Anemone' movie
- The 'girl dinner,' 'I'm just a girl' memes were fun, but has their moment passed?
- Meet first time Grammy nominee Charley Crockett
- Mississippi’s forensic beds to double in 2025
- Mississippi’s forensic beds to double in 2025
- Woman associated with MS-13 is sentenced to 50 years in prison
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- These Are the Biggest Boot Trends You’ll See This Fall 2024
Ranking
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Army returns remains of 9 Indigenous children who died at boarding school over a century ago
- John Amos’ Daughter Shannon Shares She Learned Dad Died 45 Days Later Amid Family Feud
- Condoms aren’t a fact of life for young Americans. They’re an afterthought
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- Price gouging, fraud, ID theft: Feds say scammers set sights on Hurricane Helene victims
- Gap Fall Clothes That Look Expensive: Affordable Luxury for 60% Off
- Hawaii’s popular Kalalau Trail reopens after norovirus outbreak
Recommendation
Travis Hunter, the 2
They came to Asheville for healing. Now, all they see is destruction.
Daniel Day-Lewis Returning to Hollywood After 7-Year Break From Acting
Driver fatigue likely led to Arizona crash that killed 2 bicyclists and injured 14, NTSB says
Retirement planning: 3 crucial moves everyone should make before 2025
Mets ride wave of emotional final day to take down Brewers in Game 1 of wild card series
R. Kelly's Daughter Joann Kelly to Share a Heartbreaking Secret in Upcoming Documentary
Mariska Hargitay Addresses Potential Taylor Swift Cameo on Law & Order: SVU