NFL donates 100K for National Coming Out Day

In honor of National Coming Out Day, the NFL is contributing $100,000 (approximately £77,000) to the Trevor Project, Carl Nassib's preferred LGBTQ+ advocacy group, the former player, who is openly gay, announced today.

“A huge, huge thank you to the NFL,” Nassib expressed on the NFL Network while revealing the donation. “It’s really positive stuff.”

Nassib publicly announced he was gay in 2021 and at that time donated $100,000 to the Trevor Project, which works to prevent self-harm among LGBTQ+ youth. The NFL matched his initial contribution. He retired before the 2023 season, after playing for Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and Las Vegas. The Trevor Project has remained a significant cause for Nassib, a fact he reiterated in today's announcement.

“When I came out in 2021, it was important to me to let LGBTQ+ young people know that they are not alone,” Nassib stated. “It has been an absolute honor to use my platform to shine a light on The Trevor Project’s life-saving services. The Trevor Project is near and dear to my heart, so it’s especially meaningful to me that the NFL has renewed their $100K commitment to support the organization’s mission to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people.”

As ‘Out Sports’, write, Jaymes Black, the chief executive of the Trevor Project, discussed the critical need for safe spaces in sports.

“The Trevor Project’s research found that 68% of LGBTQ+ young people reported that they had never participated in sports, with many citing concerns of discrimination and harassment from peers and coaches, fears of how others would react to their LGBTQ+ identity, and policies preventing them from playing on the team that matches their gender identity,” Black noted. “Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for coaches, athletic directors, and teammates to create safe and affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ athletes to thrive openly as their authentic selves, both on and off the field.”

Regarding its donation, the NFL expressed its ongoing commitment to collaboration with the organisation.

“We are thrilled that The Trevor Project will continue to be a partner in our shared commitment to an LGBTQ inclusive league and world,” said Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer. “The Trevor Project’s work in championing LGBTQ youth and mental health is an inspiration, and we are proud to support the positive strides they are making to help communities in need.”