The NFL has had a long history of gay inclusion, as well as some pretty “gay” storylines.
In fact, the first former pro athlete in all of American sports to come out was former NFL player David Kopay, four decades ago.
Still, the NFL has had only two active players — Carl Nassib and Michael Sam — come out publicly as gay.
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Michael Sam came out 10 years ago today. What happened? And has the NFL changed?
Questions still swirl about what happened to Sam’s NFL chances. Since then, the league has shown LGBTQ support.
By Cyd Zeigler | February 9, 2024
Get off the sidelines and into the game
Our weekly newsletter is packed with everything from locker room chatter to pressing LGBTQ sports issues.
Here are some of of the “gayest” moments in NFL history:
David Kopay comes out as gay former NFL player
There is no more significant moment in LGBTQ sports history in the United States than the time fomer NFL player David Kopay came out publicly as gay. Having played for several NFL teams, his revelation was a revelation.
Aaron Rodgers says he totally, 100%, unquestionably, absolutely loves women
Aaron Rodgers has been the subject of speculation about his orientation for years. So when his long-time live-in assistant got shown the door, speculation exploded. It happened to come very shortly after his Cal teammate, Ryan O’Callaghan, came out to him privately as gay. In response, Rodgers gave an interview that seemed to make things worse for him.
“I’m not gay. I really, really like women. That’s all I can really say about that.” Like, really, REALLY likes them.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones praises his ‘glory hole’
Jerry Jones has, over the last three-plus decades, been one of the most prominent owners of an NFL franchise. That includes his Texas-sized celebration of his team’s “glory hole.”
Robert Kraft attends and speaks at the Gay Bowl
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has been exuberant about his support for the local gay flag football community in and around the Boston area. In fact, Kraft and CBS worked with the NFL on creating a video that captures the essence of LGBTQ-inclusive flag football.
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Patriots owner Robert Kraft attends Gay Bowl, praises role of LGBT sports leagues
“We need more of this in the world,” New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft told LGBTQ athletes at the Gay Bowl in Boston.
By Cyd Zeigler | October 9, 2017
Chris Cooley’s seemingly unintentional over-share dick pic
Chris Cooley, who was at the time an NFL-leading tight end for the Washington Redskins, “accidentally” shared a photo of his playbook… and his penis.
Michael Sam comes out as gay
When Michael Sam came out as gay ahead of the 2014 NFL Draft, it created an earthquake. The Missouri Tigers defensive end was the first NFL prospect to come out publicly as gay. He was drafted in the seventh round by the St. Louis Rams — and he should have been drafted sooner. The repercussions of his coming out and draft status are still being felt.
Roger Goodell supports his gay brother
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has spoken publicly about his gay brother — Michael Goodell — multiple times. Every time, Roger advances the notion that people in and around the NFL.
Earlier this year, Goodell spoke to Outsports about his personal love for his gay brother. It resonated.
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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says his support of the LGBTQ community and gay athletes isn’t going away
Roger Goodell, the most powerful person in American sports, shared his thoughts on LGBTQ inclusion with Outsports, for Pride Month.
By Cyd Zeigler | June 21, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Santonio Holmes takes nekkid selfie
Santonio Holmes was the MVP of Super Bowl XLIII. His performance directly led to the Steelers’ Super Bowl title.
And gurl has not disappointed gay fans, with a naked selfie.
Thanks Santonio!
Carl Nassib comes out as gay
When Carl Nassib, then a Las Vegas Raiders defensive end, came out publicly as gay, he created a tidal wave of response.
Thankfully, that response was largely positive. That included NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, as well as then-Raiders quarterback Derek Carr.