Carl Nassib, first openly gay active player in NFL, announces retirement after 7 seasons

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Carl Nassib, the first openly gay active player in the NFL, announced his retirement from football Wednesday. 

Nassib crafted an Instagram post to make his announcement, reflecting on his football journey. He said he’s going to devote his time to his company, Rayze, an app that connects people to nonprofits that appeal to their interests based on where they live. 

"This is a bittersweet moment for me but after seven seasons and just over 100 NFL games I am officially retiring from football to focus on my company Rayze," Nassib wrote. 

"It really feels like just yesterday starting out as a walk-on at Penn State. Football has given me more than I ever could have imagined. I can truly hang up my helmet for the last time knowing I gave it everything I had."

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Defensive end Carl Nassib of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium Oct. 10, 2021, in Las Vegas. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Nassib went on to thank "God, my family and my friends for always being there for me even when I didn’t realize it." He also shouted out his agent, Brian Ayrault, who he said "was the first person in the football industry I came out to and he didn’t blink.

"He encouraged and motivated me to follow through with my announcement and to make as big of an impact as I possibly could." 

Nassib also mentioned the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, specifically Jason Licht and John Spytek, for reigniting his career two separate times. 

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As Nassib mentioned, the road to the NFL was a tough journey