First openly gay NFL player retires: What’s next for Carl Nassib?

• The first openly gay NFL player retires.
• Carl Nassib is 30 years old.
• He was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

The first openly gay player in the NFL retires. Why is Carl Nassib leaving football? Here, we’ll give you all the details about the player.

People magazine reported that Nassib was the first player to come out in the NFL’s 103-year history.

The acclaimed linebacker publicly came out as gay in 2021, setting a precedent for other gay NFL players.

After a successful career, Carl Nassib told People that he is «happy» about the next chapter in his life following his retirement.

The first openly gay NFL player retires

Carl Nassib surprised the world by announcing his retirement through a statement on his official Instagram account.

«This is a bittersweet moment for me, but after seven seasons and just over 100 NFL games…» Nassib began.

«…I am officially retiring from football to focus on my company Rayze.»

Nassib told People that he began considering retirement during the previous season and described the decision as a difficult one.

Carl Nassib was a successful football player

Carl Nassib was very emotional in his recent Instagram statement when talking about his passion for football.

«Football has given me more than I could have ever imagined. I can truly hang up my helmet for the last time knowing that I gave it everything I had.»

In his professional career, Nassib played for the Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Las Vegas Raiders between 2016 and 2022.

In addition to playing professional football, the athlete is a successful entrepreneur who founded his company Rayze in 2022.

Carl Nassib came out in 2021

Carl Nassib came out in 2021 while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders, according to Queerty.

By publicly announcing his sexual orientation, Nassib became the first active NFL player to come out as gay.

«I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay,» the footballer said in a video at that time.

«I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest,» Carl asserted.

Carl Nassib: Gay NFL player retires to focus on his career as an entrepreneur

Carl Nassib told People that he is happy to embark on a new chapter in his life after retiring from the NFL.

Nassib began considering retirement during the previous season when he started working on the app he founded called Rayze.

«I feel like it’s my calling and it’s what I’m meant to do. I’m really excited to move on to the next chapter of my life…»

The former football pro told People that he will give Rayze his all, financially, physically and mentally.

What is Rayze?

Rayze is the app launched by football player Carl Nassib in 2022 with the purpose of helping others.

Rayze is an app that connects volunteers with nonprofit organizations that align with their interests.

Additionally, Nassib’s app connects people with organizations located in their own communities.

People reported that Rayze has grown exponentially since its launch, to the point where they have a new partnership with Volunteer Match.

Supporting the LGBTQ+ community

Carl Nassib is a devoted supporter of organizations that provide assistance to LGBTQ+ youth.

In 2022, Nassib celebrated Gay Pride by donating $100,000 to The Trevor Project.

«I want to remind people why Gay Pride is so important to me,» the footballer stated at the time.

«Right now, there’s a kid out there saying that they would rather be dead than gay. That’s why I partnered with The Trevor Project and will be donating $100,000.»