The Las Vegas Raiders withstood everything the Baltimore Ravens could throw (and run) at them in a thrilling 33-27 overtime victory on Monday night. The win was capped with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr to Zay Jones, which launched a massive celebration for the team’s first home game in its new home.
The Raiders get their game-winning TD after all! pic.twitter.com/FycW5WFcMp
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 14, 2021
However, that touchdown wouldn’t have been possible if not for defensive end Carl Nassib. His strip-sack of Lamar Jackson, which ended with a recovered fumble by the Raiders, changed the entire outcome and ensured that Vegas could send the game into overtime.
This defensive line… All heart.
Carl Nassib's forced fumble puts us back in business. Live on @espn pic.twitter.com/kG1gLqxMeT
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 14, 2021
For Nassib, the huge play was the icing on the cake of a historic evening. Nassib came out as gay in June and, last night, became the first active, openly gay NFL player in a game in the league’s history. Nassib’s announcement was included as part of the broadcast as well.
Carl Nassib became 1st active openly gay player in NFL tonite. And fact it has happened w/so little controversy & just slipped into broadcast in 3rd quarter like a random segment feels like more progress than I expected. Shout out to Michael Sam who paved way for this. pic.twitter.com/P6YKlq2yIX
— #StopCopCity (@ChuckModi1) September 14, 2021
“I’m really happy that we got we got the win on the day that kind of made a little bit of history,” Nassib told reporters after the game.
When told by one reporter that a fan wearing his jersey in the stadium was continually being cheered on and supported by other Raiders fans, Nassib was extremely appreciative.
“That’s amazing; that’s a great story. I love that. I wish I could have seen [him],” Nassib responded. “It was really special, I’m really happy that we got the win on the day that kind of made a little bit of history.”
“I’ve played in a lot of games, now this is my sixth year, I try to make sure I really remember every single game. I won’t forget this one,” he added.
Whether he’d made a big play or not, Nassib made history on Monday night. And NFL fans and media members shared their thoughts about it on social media.
CARL NASSIB MY HEART IS SO FULL
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) September 14, 2021
Unbelievable!! Carl Nassib forces game-winning fumble as Raiders win first-ever NFL game with an out gay player.
Hollywood could have written this. #MNFhttps://t.co/CsDU3BOej8
— Outsports (@outsports) September 14, 2021
Carl Nassib just became the first openly gay player to play in an NFL game. It may be a sign of progress that no one is treating this as a particularly big deal.
— Michael David Smith (@MichaelDavSmith) September 14, 2021
Yes, as many say it shouldn’t be a big deal. But if it wasn’t it would have been done long before. Visibility matters. Thank you #CarlNassib for the courage to be the First #nfl #MNFxESPN pic.twitter.com/slzgLoziGO
— Brad (@Bam2) September 14, 2021
About Sean Keeley
Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Managing Editor for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.