And I’m really pumped to see what the future holds.īut Sam left the N.F.L. And I’m very excited to be a part of it to help in any way that I can. youth in America, and they’re truly doing incredible things. 1 suicide prevention service for L.G.B.T.Q. And I’m going to start by donating $100,000 to the Trevor Project. But until then, you know, I’m going to do my best and do my part to cultivate a culture that’s accepting, that’s compassionate. I actually hope that one day videos like this and the whole coming out process are just not necessary. I just think that representation and visibility are so important.
I’m a pretty private person, so I hope you guys know that I’m really not doing this for attention. I’ve got the best family, friends and job a guy could ask for. I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest. I just want to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay. I’m at my house here in West Chester, Pa. Player The Raiders defensive lineman came out in a video posted on social media and said he would donate $100,000 to the Trevor Project, a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention efforts for L.G.B.T.Q. Find out more at ESPN+.Transcript Carl Nassib Becomes First Openly Gay Active N.F.L. The purpose of The Undefeated’s Pride Month coverage revolves around elevating LGBTQ voices, celebration of LGBTQ culture and the support of LGBTQ rights. That fear has turned into reality, because Russell hasn’t been able to step on the field under the NFL platform in multiple years, with no end in sight. When the 29-year-old first came out, Russell cited concerns he would be pushed away from the football community and lose his ability to financially support his family playing the game he loves. There are questions about whether that stems from his August 2019 announcement that he is bisexual. Russell, a defensive end who is an imposing physical presence at 6’5, 275 pounds, think he has the skillset to play at the highest level, he just needs the opportunity.Īfter stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills failed to set him up with an established role in the league, it doesn’t seem anyone is rushing to give Russell a new opportunity. Russell’s pursuit to get back to an NFL roster spot continues to be a struggle, as he tries to return to the gridiron for the first time since 2017.Īlthough there’s a long list of athletes whom would like nothing more than to play in the NFL, there are only a handful truly qualified to do so. The Undefeated on ESPN+ spotlights many athletes on its Black History Always vertical, which revolved around “celebrating yesterday, today and forever through the lens of race, sports and The Culture.”
It’s available to stream today on the subscription-based ESPN+ platform. Russell’s story is the center of focus on “Finding Free,” a feature amid Pride Month highlighting the challenges he’s facing as an LGBTQ athlete after revealing his long-hidden “secret” to the world. It’s like, ‘Hm, that’s interesting because I’ve seen a very similar story to this, and the reception was not the same.’ But I hope it’s progress. “You see the Instagram followers shoot up, you see all the of the organizations coming out to accept him and brands coming.