https://staging-towleroadgc.kinsta.cloud/2021/06/nfl-carl-nassib-reactionsOther prominent LGBTQ figures in sports and beyond celebrated Nassib as well.

The ability to live an authentic life is so important.

Sending love and support to Carl Nassib of the @Raiders, who has bravely made history as the 1st active NFL player to come out. He has also donated $100K to @TrevorProject.

Representation and visibility matter! 🏳️‍🌈 https://t.co/E6hSOeIioW
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) June 21, 2021

Very proud of Carl Nassib! Incredibly happy for him and can’t wait to watch him play this upcoming season! 👏🏾🙌🏾 https://t.co/kFaTF2EIcR
— Jason Collins (@jasoncollins98) June 21, 2021

Congrats to Carl Nassib on being be the first active NFL player to come out as gay! 10 yrs ago I was the first man to be actively gay at the Super Bowl. 🌈🏈 pic.twitter.com/eMQEkdqBZz
— billy eichner (@billyeichner) June 22, 2021

Sports media members also went around the horn with their own messages of support for Nassib.

Carl Nassib likely isn’t the only active gay player in the NFL, but him coming forward will be huge for those who haven’t gotten there yet. Very courageous decision that will not only help other players but so many young people in this country. https://t.co/zhy9Tu2tMU
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) June 22, 2021

Good for Nassib, who also is donating $100K to the Trevor Project. Nobody should have to live any part of their lives in fear or silence. https://t.co/fw17yFQCon
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) June 21, 2021

But that didn’t mean there was some room for odd and diminishing descriptors from some outlets, even if The New York Times did ultimately change its original headline..

this headline is almost shockingly fucked up pic.twitter.com/xERFZ5e4mx
— Britni de la Cretaz (@britnidlc) June 22, 2021

And though there were plenty who used to their voice to deride Nassib and his supporters or ask the question “who cares,” plenty of fans put out messages on exactly why Nassib’s announcement holds the meaning that it does.

This let’s so many ppl know they are not alone, the fear of being exiled by so many ppl is a lot to bare but he took a stand and I’m happy for him I just hope other lgbtq players stand up and come out with him, it’s 2021 let’s break these weird ass social norms!
— Bobby (@BobbyKingDeal) June 22, 2021

To all the stupid people in the world, you don't have to come out as being straight because you don't have to hide being straight.
No one has denied you the ability to rent, get married, adopt children or just buy a cake for being straight. No one beats you for being straight.
— Machine Pun Kelly (@KellyScaletta) June 21, 2021

Good for you for coming out, this is gonna help so many kids, being able to see an openly gay athlete on the field. I agree, hopefully one of these days it won't matter but till then know you're helping, hope people can just live their truths Go out and kick ass on the field man.
— Matt Mazzola (@Mouthzola) June 22, 2021

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