On National Coming Out Day, Oct. 11, the NFL and The Trevor Project celebrated their continued partnership, reaffirming their commitment to LGBTQ+ youth inclusion and mental health support. The collaboration, which began in 2020, highlights the league’s ongoing efforts to create safer, more affirming spaces in sports.
This year, the NFL announced a $100,000 donation to The Trevor Project, a leading organization for LGBTQ+ youth suicide prevention and crisis intervention. The contribution supports 24/7 crisis services, advocacy, and community programs for young people across the United States.
Carl Nassib: Visibility Can Save Lives
NFL veteran Carl Nassib, the first active player to come out as gay and a board member of The Trevor Project, reflected on his journey in a recent interview. “Coming out was the most freeing experience of my life,” Nassib said. “I no longer have to live with that constant worry of hiding who I am, and that has been huge for my mental health.”
He emphasized that visibility has a profound impact. “You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. There are people who will celebrate you for exactly who you are,” he said. “Visibility can save lives.”
Nassib also discussed his mental health practices, noting that routines and staying physically active help him maintain balance. “Movement helps me reset mentally,” he said, adding that leaning on close friends and family remains a crucial support system.
LGBTQ+ Youth in Sports: Challenges and Triumphs
Research from The Trevor Project, titled LGBTQ+ Youth Sports Participation, found that 18% of LGBTQ+ youth in sports heard negative comments from coaches or sports leaders, and some avoided sports entirely due to fear of discrimination. However, many young people reported that camaraderie and personal wellness were key reasons they engaged in athletic activities.
Kevin Wong, senior vice president of communications at The Trevor Project, praised the NFL’s continued involvement. “Representation matters, and visibility in athletic spaces is incredibly powerful,” Wong said. “Carl Nassib is a role model for LGBTQ+ young people. Partnerships like this make a tangible difference in creating a safer, more accepting world.”
National Coming Out Day: A Reminder of Courage
National Coming Out Day celebrates the courage and authenticity of LGBTQ+ individuals while highlighting the importance of mental health support. Nassib said one of the most memorable moments of his career was publicly coming out and pledging a donation to The Trevor Project, which inspired countless young people. “Hearing from athletes or kids who feel less alone because of that moment means more to me than anything I achieved on the field,” he said.
Through initiatives like this partnership, the NFL and The Trevor Project aim to ensure LGBTQ+ youth see themselves represented, supported, and celebrated, not just in sports, but in every corner of their lives.
