Carl Nassib made history in 2021 as the first openly gay active player in the NFL, and now his significant contribution to sports and LGBTQ+ representation is being honored at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Nassib’s jersey, No. 94 from his time with the Oakland Raiders, is featured in the museum’s “Entertainment Nation” display. This particular jersey was worn during the Raiders’ Week 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens in 2021, marking a pivotal moment after he publicly came out.
The announcement of this honor was celebrated by the NFL, which tweeted about the display on Wednesday. Nassib initially shared the news on “The Pivot” podcast hosted by former NFL player Ryan Clark, highlighting the influence of his uncle in his decision to come out. In reflection, Nassib emphasized to the Washington Post the importance of telling and remembering gay stories in sports.
Nassib’s announcement was met with widespread support from across the NFL community, including the Raiders organization, his former college coach, and teammate Saquon Barkley, who all rallied behind him during this transformative moment.
Drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Nassib enjoyed a successful seven-season career as a defensive end. After his time in Cleveland, he played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before signing a significant contract with the Raiders. Over his career, he accumulated impressive stats, including 187 combined tackles and 25.5 sacks.
This recognition at the Smithsonian not only honors Nassib’s career but also serves as a celebration of diversity and inclusion in sports. It reinforces the message that everyone should feel empowered to embrace their true selves, paving the way for future generations of athletes. The continued acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ figures in sports is a hopeful sign of evolving attitudes and acceptance.