"It’s really just so rewarding" - Carl Nassib reveals how liberating coming out as NFL's first gay player has been for him and others 

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE Carl Nassib

Defensive end Carl Nassib, who is the only current openly gay player in the National Football League, recently spoke about his decision to come out about his sexuality. In June 2021, he posted a video to his social media accounts sharing his story. Since then, many NFL fans and others have supported Carl Nassib and his decision.

The 29-year-old defensive end recently told reporters that his experience over the last year has been rewarding. He also said that the best part is when other people tell him that he has had a positive impact on them.

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“That’s been the most rewarding thing the last year, people coming up to me and telling me the positive impact I’ve had. It’s just really, like, so rewarding, and that’s the reason why I did it. I think everybody can continue to help and be that positive person in anyone’s life that makes the day a little bit better. So yeah, I hope I can be a push in a positive direction.”

Rick Stroud

@NFLSTROUD

Bucs LB Carl Nassib talked about the impact he has made on lives after becoming the first openly gay NFL player. “It’s been a blessing.”

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Bucs LB Carl Nassib talked about the impact he has made on lives after becoming the first openly gay NFL player. “It’s been a blessing.” https://t.co/FenDA8O445

He has also said in the past that he hopes that the video he made won't be necessary in the future. He hopes that others won't fear the impact that their announcements would have on their everyday lives.

As far as his career is concerned, after remaining a free agent at the start of the 2022 NFL training camp, Carl Nassib re-signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. He previously played for the Buccaneers in 2018 and 2019 before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders.

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How long has DE Carl Nassib played in the NFL?

After a standout collegiate career at Penn State, Carl Nassib was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He became a fan favorite on the Hardknocks series that was covering the Browns. His popularity soared when he taught his teammates about finances and investments and how to make their hard-earned NFL money last longer.

After two seasons with the Browns, he was waived in September 2018 and was signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2018, he hit career highs in sacks with 6.5 and tackles for loss with 12. In 2019, he had another six sacks for the Buccaneers.

Greg Auman

@gregauman

Wild to see Carl Nassib out there playing after only two practices with Bucs in Nashville. Already has a tackle. twitter.com/MatthiasMartn/…

Mat Martin

@MatthiasMartn

@gregauman I don't know who the Titans RT is, but Nassib looking surprisingly good out there considering he arrived just recently and was not in game shape.

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@gregauman I don't know who the Titans RT is, but Nassib looking surprisingly good out there considering he arrived just recently and was not in game shape.

Wild to see Carl Nassib out there playing after only two practices with Bucs in Nashville. Already has a tackle. twitter.com/MatthiasMartn/…

After the 2019 NFL season, he signed a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. He had his first career interception in 2020. He played 13 games in 2021, recording 21 tackles and just one-and-a-half sacks after dealing with numerous injuries. The Raiders released him in March, making him a free agent until the Buccaneers signed him last week.

If he makes the final roster, which is likely, he will be gearing up for his seventh season in the National Football League.

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