"This is far from right": Cowboys great Dez Bryant takes issue with NFL supporting Pride Month after old video resurfaces
A video highlighting the NFL's Pride Month campaign resurfaced on social media on Monday. In the video, the league stressed the importance of inclusivity with statements like “football is gay,” “football is queer,” and “football is transgender.”
The original video was released by the NFL in 2021, a week after Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib became the first active player to come out as gay.
Former Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant shared the resurfaced video on Monday and said he didn’t support those statements.
"Football is gay. Football is queer. Football is transgender.. these are wild statements to make..excuse my silliness. I’m going to proudly tell my boys football is none of these things. I have nothing against Gays but this is far from right."
"It’s gay players in the NFL, but forcing it in people's faces, especially children, can send the wrong message," he wrote in another tweet. "Football is a real community, like the gay community. Imagine telling gays they have to advocate for straight people. They probably would have a problem."
The NFL remains one of the most prominent sports leagues supporting LGBTQ+ rights. It has partnered with groups like GLAAD and The Trevor Project to help promote acceptance and support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Bryant, meanwhile, is best known for his stint with the Dallas Cowboys from 2010-17. After leaving Jerry Jones' team, he had short stays with the New Orleans Saints in 2018 and the Baltimore Ravens in 2020.
He is a three-time Pro Bowler and led the NFL in receiving touchdowns in 2014.
NFL's Buffalo Bills have faced backlash for supporting Pride Month
Josh Allen's Buffalo Bills received criticism from fans for supporting Pride Month. The team shared LGBTQ+ resources on their website, including a guide to help young people come out and links to a group that supports transgender students.
“This Pride month, and always, we’re proud to stand with the LGBTQ+ community.”
Some fans didn’t agree with the message.
The Bills have been strong supporters of Pride Month for years. This year, they joined the Buffalo Pride Parade on June 1, 2025, along with employees from Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.