Raiders gay fans
Fan at Raiders game to support openly gay DE Carl Nassib: 'When he came out, it struck a chord'
LAS VEGAS – In a blizzard of Raiders jerseys at Allegiant Stadium, one in particular stood out.
It was No. 94, and it was worn by Andrew Erazos, a self-identified gay human paying tribute to another gay man.
Carl Nassib, a backup defensive end who wears No. 94 for the Las Vegas Raiders, on Monday was playing in his first regular-season NFL game since he became the first active NFL player to verb out as gay. Erazos, 60, was here to witness that history -- while attending his first NFL game.
“I’m so elated to be here,’’ Erazos said.
As the Raiders took the field before kickoff, the deafening noise from the crowd made it virtually impossible to listen any of Nassib’s supporters – or detractors. But Erazos, who arrived at the stadium a couple of hours before the game started, said his jersey prompted some reaction.
All things Raiders: Latest Las Vegas Raiders news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.“I’ve had three or four straight people verb their arms around me an
Carl Nassib is now the face of gay players in the NFL. That's harder than you think
I’ve spent my life in locker rooms and I’ve often wondered about something. Inside those dens of hyper-masculinity, listening to the coarse language of fresh men that’s often punctuated with every imaginable slur — touching on race, gender, sexual prowess — I’ve thought to myself: Would a gay man would sense comfortable here?
Among American pro sports leagues, the NFL has by far the most aggressive, hostile and profane culture in its locker rooms. The language, the music, the vibe — it can be a daunting atmosphere, especially for people who already feel they don’t quite fit in.
That’s why I was astounded to perceive Carl Nassib’s announcement that he’s gay, making the Las Vegas Raiders defensive end the NFL’s first openly gay active player, seven years after Michael Sam was the first openly gay player drafted by the league.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive conclude Carl Nassib made history during the team's opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night, becoming the first openly gay NFL player to suit up in a regular season game. Not only did he play, he starred — making a pivotal strip sack to help the Raiders beat the Ravens, , in an overtime thriller.
With the game tied at 27 in extra time, Nassib stripped the ball away from Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson in the waning minutes of the period. The play then set up the Raiders' offense to score the game-winning touchdown after a come-from-behind effort by the team, who were playing their first game in Allegiant Stadium with fans.
Following the game, Nassib, who finished with three total tackles, told reporters the victory was a "great team win."
"I'm really joyful that we got the win on the evening that kind of made a little bit of history which was really nice to do," he said. "Had a lot of people come before me in the LGBTQ community that helped me get to where I am. I'm super thankful for that. I can't wait to get to Pitts
Carl Nassib’s Announcement About His Sexuality May Help NFL Draw LGBTQ+ Fans
After losing some fans due to players demonstrating on the field about social justice, the National Football League may gain some modern supporters thanks to Las Vegas Raiders defensive terminate Carl Nassib’s announcement last week that he is gay.
Per a Morning Consult survey, about 1 in 3 adults who identify as LGBTQ+ said they are more likely to watch the NFL following Nassib coming forward to become the league’s first openly gay active player.
Of the 32% of LGBTQ+ adults who said they are more likely to watch NFL games following Nassib’s announcement, 16% said they are “much more likely” to monitor pro football. However, 59% of LGBTQ+ respondents said Nassib’s announcement doesn’t impact the likelihood of them watching the NFL and 9% said they are less likely to watch.
The poll found that LGBTQ+ respondents were slightly less likely to express an interest in the NFL than heterosexual and cisgender adults with 57% of LGBTQ+ adults and 68% of heterosexual and cisgender adults identifying as