On Thursday, Jacksonville Jaguars associate strength coach Kevin Maxen made history when he came out as gay, becoming the first openly gay male professional coach in major U.S. sports.
During an interview with Outsports, Kevin Maxen made it clear that he wants to be an inspiration to others to encourage them 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.”
Maxen said he only recently decided it was the right time to make his announcement public.
“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.”
It’s a major announcement, and the NFL world had plenty to say about it.
Don't give any attention to the ignorant replies in the thread. Not worth your time or energy.
We support you, coach! 🏳️🌈 https://t.co/mFfrM1nMEu
— Touchdown Jaguars! Podcast (@TDJaguarsPod) July 21, 2023
We are everywhere!!! Congrats to Kevin on being able to come out and it on his own terms. https://t.co/gNqeIaremh
— Rachel (@TheGaychel) July 21, 2023
Congratulations 👏🏽 it takes them guts to come out.. mad respect 🫡…. Wishing him nothing but the best
— Jordan Koplin (@jordan_koplin) July 21, 2023
Proud of you, Kevin! This took a lot of courage. You are loved and supported! https://t.co/Hp5tjOAw7B
— Amy Palcic (@amypalcic) July 20, 2023
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
Had the honor to play for Coach Kev. He was someone who believed in me when not many other coaches did. Pushed me to become a better player & more importantly better person. A TRUE role model of mine and epitome of what a coach should be. @Coach_Kev_ #TDG #WRP #OFBK #TheBest https://t.co/4xZkDLFgBb
— Dylan Calo (@CoachCaloFB) 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
It’s certainly a historic day for the NFL.
