Carl Nassib Former NFL star reflects on being the first openly gay football player in league, a story of true courage, breaking barriers, locker room acceptance and his game vs Lamar Jackson being historically recognized

May 6, 2025

Carl Nassib, a former NFL defensive end and the first openly gay active player in the league, dives deep into his groundbreaking journey. He reflects on the life-changing moment of coming out, discussing both the support and challenges he faced in a sport often seen as tough and traditional. Carl also touches on his transition from the field to philanthropy, highlighting his work with The Trevor Project. His candid stories about identity, authenticity, and the importance of representation in sports are both inspiring and eye-opening.

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ANECDOTE

Walk-On to Scholarship Triumph

Carl Nassib started as a walk-on at Penn State despite his future success.
A harsh meeting with coach Bill O'Brien inspired him to work harder and eventually earn a scholarship.

ADVICE

Financial Literacy is Vital

Be financially literate to protect yourself from market crashes.
Strive to build generational wealth and encourage others, especially athletes, to be smart with money.

ANECDOTE

Coming Out Inspired by Uncle

Nassib came out as gay after his uncle's death inspired him.
He waited until he had a secure contract to protect himself.

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“I hope there’s a world where you don’t have to come out of the closet because you never have to go in. We get to see each other for humanity and not what makes us different.” Carl Nassib former NFL player

In a groundbreaking and deeply personal episode of The Pivot Podcast, Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor, and Channing Crowder sit down with Carl Nassib — former NFL defensive end, entrepreneur, and trailblazer — for an unfiltered conversation about football, identity, and forging your own path.

Carl, who was the first active NFL player to come out as gay in 2021, may be tied to that moment forever but his purpose and legacy on and off the field goes far beyond all of that. From his early days at Penn State to making NFL history with the Las Vegas Raiders, the guys go through his football journey and explore the courage, challenges, and cultural impact of Nassib’s voice in society and sports.

Carl opens up about the moment that changed his life and the NFL forever: becoming the first active player to come out as gay. He discusses the weight of that decision, the support he received, and the backlash he had to navigate. The conversation takes us through Carl’s mindset through his playing days with the Browns, Raiders, and Buccaneers, the highs and lows of being a professional athlete, and how his personal journey intersected with his career.

But this episode goes beyond headlines. Carl shares insight into his post-football ventures, including his work with The Trevor Project and his foray into the world of finance and entrepreneurship. With honesty and humor, he talks about what it means to live authentically, redefine masculinity, and make space for others to do the same. He talks on how he misses the brotherhood of the NFL locker room, the bond with his coaches and teammates, his historical game vs Lamar Jackson and how his jersey will be a part of history at the Smithsonian museum.

Carl's story has reshaped the conversation around LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports as well as opened the minds of others who for so long couldn't grasp the idea while inspiring a new generation of athletes to live authentically.

Tap in for a powerful and thought-provoking discussion that challenges assumptions, celebrates courage, and highlights the strength it takes to pivot — both on and off the field. Full episode streaming now on YouTube and don't forget to hit the subscribe button and comment your thoughts below!

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