American football has long been perceived as a hyper-masculine sport, making it challenging for LGBTQ+ athletes to come out. However, several players have broken barriers by openly embracing their identities while pursuing professional and collegiate football careers.
One of the most well-known openly gay football players is Michael Sam. In 2014, Sam made history as the first openly gay player to be drafted into the NFL when the St. Louis Rams selected him in the seventh round. Despite his promising college career at the University of Missouri, he never played a regular-season game in the NFL, leading to debates about whether his sexuality affected his chances. Nevertheless, Sam’s courage helped pave the way for others.
More recently, Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player to come out as gay. In June 2021, while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders, Nassib publicly announced his sexuality on Instagram, receiving widespread support from teammates, the NFL, and fans. Unlike Sam, Nassib had already established himself in the league and continued playing after his announcement, further normalizing LGBTQ+ representation in professional football.
Collegiate football has also seen an increase in openly gay athletes. Scott Frantz, an offensive lineman at Kansas State, came out in 2017 and played successfully at the college level. Other athletes, such as Ryan O’Callaghan, a former New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs player, came out after retiring, revealing the struggles they faced in the sport.
While challenges remain, these players have helped break down barriers and inspire young LGBTQ+ athletes. The growing support within the NFL and college programs suggests a more inclusive future for American football, where players are judged by their talent rather than their sexual orientation.
