Jacksonville Jaguars associate strength coach Kevin Maxen made a historic announcement on Thursday, coming out as the first openly gay male professional coach in major U.S. sports.
Maxen made the announcement during an interview with Outsports.com, detailed that he wants to use this as an opportunity to inspire others to “live their life without fear”.
“I don’t want to feel like I have to think about it anymore,” Maxen told Outsports. “I don’t want to feel like I have to lie about who I am seeing, or why I am living with someone else. I want to be vocal in support of people living how they want to live, but I also want to just live and not feel fear about how people will react.”
He continued on to say that he made this decision to reveal this to the public thanks to the love and support of his boyfriend, family, friends, and colleagues within the Jaguars organization.
“It wasn’t until recently – and with the immense love and support of my family, my friends, colleagues, and peers, and the courage and sacrifice from my partner – that I realized I have the right and responsibility to love and be loved, and that maybe sharing this will hopefully give someone else the strength to accept their own life and take control of their own story.”
This announcement by Maxen is clearly a huge moment not only for the NFL, but for professional sports as well. Many around the NFL world praised Maxen for his courage and offered their support for Maxen living his life openly.
There is now an out NFL coach. So so proud of Kevin Maxen for wanting to live his life openly and inspire others. Thank you @Coach_Kev_!!https://t.co/XAT7VhO5MT
— Cyd Zeigler (@CydZeigler) July 20, 2023
Fantastic example of courage! Proud to be #DTWD 🌈🌈🌈 https://t.co/mOmCcnCYbP
— Tommy Blair (@FFTommyB) July 20, 2023
Much respect ✊️✊️👏👏 https://t.co/0Lqd9SC6lv
— JD WHS (@jd_whs) July 20, 2023
Kevin, nothing but 💙.
Our out @NFL family is getting stronger and stronger, braver and braver. #forwardprogress
Kevin Maxen is the first out male NFL coach, with Jacksonville Jaguars – Outsports https://t.co/okiRCdMRVg
— Sam Rapoport (@samrap10) July 20, 2023
I applaud Kevin Maxen for finding the courage & support of his family, his friends, and the Jaguars organization to come out.
Wishing him & Nick all the best and a great season in Jacksonville this year. #DUUUVALhttps://t.co/FqLeSe1Hts
— Mike Zimmelman (@MZimmel) July 20, 2023
Sexuality has always been a taboo topic in both the NFL and professional sports in general. Hopefully this announcement from Maxen helps inspire others to openly be who they are moving forward.
