Last year, NFL defensive lineman Carl Nassib made league history by becoming the first active player to come out as gay. And now, it looks like the pioneer player has found a new team.
According to ESPN, Nassib is signing a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The six-year NFL veteran is rejoining the Bucs for the second time in his career. Nassib previously played for Tampa Bay in 2018 and 2019. During those seasons, Nassib appeared in 29 games where he registered 12.5 sacks and 63 total tackles.
Nassib played for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021 but was released from the team following the season. Last season, Nassib appeared in 13 games for the Raiders, recording 1.5 sacks and 21 total tackles.
Nassib made history ahead of the 2021 season when he became the first active NFL player to come out as gay in June.
“I’m a pretty private person so I hope you guys know that I’m not doing this for attention,” Nassib said of his decision to come out. “I just think that representation and visibility are so important. I actually hope that one day, videos like this and the whole coming out process are not necessary, but until then I will do my best and my part to cultivate a culture that’s accepting and compassionate.”
He became the first openly game player to play in an NFL game during a September contest against the Baltimore Ravens. Nassib made an important strip-sack in the game to help lead his team to victory.
[ESPN]
