Gay packers player
Ex-Packers lineman and LGBTQ+ advocate Esera Tuaolo relieved and proud to see first openly gay active NFL player
Esera Tuaolo finally has an answer to the biggest question he's been asked over the past two decades.
"Twenty years of speaking and going out there and educating people on homophobia in sports and the LGBTQ society, the big question has been, 'When will the first active NFL player come out?' " the former Green Bay Packers lineman said. "I can retort that now. June 21."
That's when Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib told the world that he was gay, a revelation that will create him the first openly gay active player in the NFL when he suits up in 2021.
More: 'He's one of us': NFL players share help for Carl Nassib, desire locker room to be welcoming to all
Tuaolo started all 16 games in 1991 for the Packers after he was drafted in the second spherical out of Oregon Express, and he also played for Green Bay in 1992 before playing for four other teams through the 1999 season. He revealed he was gay in 2002 in an interview with HBO's Real Sports, making him the third former NFL player to come out.
"It's been a long journey for a lot
Las Vegas Raiders defensive finish Carl Nassib sent shockwaves throughout the NFL planet on Monday by becoming the first active NFL player to come out as a gay man.
It was a moment many thought was coming, though no one knew when it happen or who it would be. Now that it is here, it is time to reflect on how we got to this indicate and how everyone can move forward in the fight for not only a more inclusive NFL but a more inclusive world as well.
By publicly coming out and existence the first active player to do so, Nassib deserves praise, respect, and support. Hopefully his conclusion will not only support and support others in the league who are concerned about coming out but also young same-sex attracted men who are anxious to play the game they love out of fear of being excluded, judged, or ostracized simply because of their sexual orientation. Nassib’s announcement this week was a major milestone and here’s hoping it’s the first of many.
While Nassib’s decision was certainly monumental, he represents the next step in football openly accepting members of the LGBTQ+ community; not the first.
Back in 2014, Michael Sam became the first openly same-sex attracted man drafted by an NFL franchise when the then-St. Loui
Vince Lombardi remembered as an LGBTQ+ ally during Identity Month
June is a month to recognize the champions of the LGBTQ+ society, but also the allies that play a critical role in progressing the country toward equality.
It's Lgbtq+ fest Month and with that comes rainbow flags in a lot of places, reminders from our corporate employers, and social media posts from our favorite sports teams.
The Green Bay Packers recognized Pride Month on Tuesday by posting a graphic to X that reads, "Football is for everyone." As of Tuesday, 23 NFL teams have posted a note recognizing Pride Month.
Sports handle to be at the forefront of American community and it's common that issues within the customs become all the more prevalent on the biggest stages. History shows that the fight for civil rights and sports cross often.
Recently, the country saw social justice take center stage during the summer of 2020 following the murder of George Floyd as young Black people, including professional athletes, and allies, took to the streets, sat out of games or national anthem renditions, supporting the faith that "Black Lives Matter."
More than 60 years ago, it was Bill Russell, Jim Brown, Muhammad Ali, K
Acme Packing Company’s sister site Outsports, which covers LGBTQ athletes, fans and allies, released Outsports Power 100 in honor of Self-acceptance Month. Outsports Power 100 was designed to confess the most influential LGBTQ people in sports.
Ranked 63rd on the list is Esera Tuaolo, an out former defensive lineman who played for the Leafy Bay Packers in 1991 and 1992. Here’s what Outsports had to express about Tuaolo:
Esera Tuaolo played 10 seasons in the NFL, appearing in the Super Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons, before publicly coming out as queer in 2002, making him one of the most accomplished out gay football players ever. He’s stayed close to the game since retirement, hosting an annual Super Bowl party and speaking to rookies about LGBTQ inclusion. But for all of Tuaolo’s talents — he’s also a singer and musician — his candor stands out the most. “It took me a while to realize I played in the NFL. How many athletes or football players get to undertake that?” he said this year. “I played nine years, and the average is three. I wasn’t a bench-warmer. I played. I can now glance at myself in the mirror and say, ‘Hey, I was a excellent player.’ But it took a while, man.” — Alex Reimer
Tuao
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