Raiders DE Carl Nassib Becomes NFL’s Top-Selling Jersey After Coming Out As Gay

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Carl Nassib’s No. 94 Las Vegas Raiders jersey became the NFL’s top-selling jersey after the defensive end came out as gay.

Nassib made the announcement via Instagram on Monday, June 21.

The month of June is celebrated as Pride Month.

“I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest. I really have the best life, I’ve got the best family, friends and job a guy could ask for. I am a pretty private person, so I hope you guys don’t think I am doing this for attention, 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 just not necessary. But until then I am going to do my best and do my part to cultivate a culture that is accepting,” said Nassib.

Shortly after the defensive end’s social media post was published, Nassib’s silver and black Raiders jersey came the league’s top-selling jersey.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KSL Sports (@kslsports)

In addition to coming out, Nassib said he was donating $100K to The Trevor Project, which is an organization that helps prevent suicide among LGBTQ+ youth.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by KSL Sports (@kslsports)

“Sadly, I have agonized over this moment for the last 15 years. Only until recently, thanks to my family and friends … did it seem possible for me to say publicly and proudly that I am gay,” Nassib wrote.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).

[ss-signup design_id=”2205276″]