The history-making year of Carl Nassib just keeps getting better. As we reported earlier this year, the 6-foot-7, 275 pound Penn State grad become the first ever active NFL player to come out as gay this June. He soon shared how his teammates on the Las Vegas Raiders had been nothing but supportive.
Then two weeks ago, the six-year NFL veteran earned a spot on the final Raiders roster before the start of the season—giving him the distinction of also being the first out player signed to an NFL team’s regular-season roster. And last night, the defensive end not only became the first openly gay player to play in an NFL game, but he also had a huge role in the Raiders’ thrilling 33-27 overtime win over the Baltimore Ravens. In OT, Nassib’s strip sack of Raven’s quarterback Lamar Jackson forced a turnover that led to the winning touchdown (from the equally sexy Las Vegas QB Derek Carr to Bryan Edwards). Have a look:
This defensive line… All heart.
Carl Nassib's forced fumble puts us back in business. Live on @espn pic.twitter.com/kG1gLqxMeT
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 14, 2021
“It was really special. I’m really happy that we got the win on the day that kind of made a little bit of history which was really nice to do,” Nassib said to the media afterward. “Had a lot of people come before me in the LGBTQ community that helped me get to where I am. I’m super thankful for that. I can’t wait to get to Pittsburgh next week and keep this thing going.”
You can see Nassib’s post-game presser here, where he answers questions for about five minutes—and where a reporter relays a nice story about seeing a fan wearing the player’s jersey.
Added Raiders coach Jon Gruden of the backup player’s sack: “That was big. He made us a big play at the end of the game…he’s had a great training camp, and we’re going to need him here obviously as we move forward.’’
So that puts to rest all of the armchair trolls who thought his signing was just a publicity stunt, and that he wasn’t actually good enough to play (much less have a game-winning impact for his team). Congrats, Carl…keep up the amazing work! And to get your fix of football jock lust, might we suggest some hot gear play like Johnny V and Aaron Savvy show off here…
I left out something:
I cn have policy differences wth dems or repubs and maintain respect for thm! I am dem, used to b real lib, but the far left is just as bad as th far right wth their bullshit social baggage!! So, now i am middle to right dem!! Wld NEVER vot for a liberal wththeir safe space, trigger word, cancl cultulture, cancl book culture, woke and crt bullshit, etc..baggage tht comes wth their policies, and i cld NEVER, be friends or like a trump supporter!! FUCK THM ALL!! NOT, cause they r repub, BUT, because they support someone who hates our so-called democracy, and is a 100%, TOTAL-COMPLETE ASSHOLE!! As is, ALL OF HIS SUPPORTERS!!