Jeff Rohrer (1982-89): Linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys.Įsera Tuaolo (1991-99: Defensive tackle with the Packers, Vikings, Jaguars, Falcons and Panthers. Roy Simmons (1979-83): Offensive lineman with the Giants and Redskins. The NFL Network produced a documentary on Smith being gay. Jerry Smith (1965-77): Tight end with the Redskins. Denver Post via Getty Images Played in a regular season gameĭave Kopay (1964-72): Running back with the 49ers, Lions, Redskins, Saints, and Packers. Here is the list of football players in the NFL who have come out: Dave Kopay, shown in 1977, played for nine seasons in the NFL. “There’s a few of us that paved the way and it makes me incredibly happy,” Kopay said about Nassib playing in the regular season.ĭespite their small numbers, these 16 are trailblazers and have inspired many LGBTQ people in sports and every walk of life, so they are to be applauded. Dave Kopay was the first player to come out, in 1975, three years after retiring after a nine-year career. Over the years, Outsports has known of a few other players who are gay but have never come out, even when retired. To only have 16 out players among the thousands who have been on preseason, practice squad or regular season NFL rosters (23,000 and counting in a survey done in 2014) is barely a blip and shows the stigma that still surrounds people who play football. 16 and the first one to come out as gay while on an active roster. Our fact check work is supported in part by a grant from Facebook.The NFL has played for more than 100 years and there have been 16 gay or bi players to come out publicly.Īs the 2021 NFL season kicks off, Carl Nassib of the Las Vegas Raiders is No. You can subscribe to our print edition, ad-free app or electronic newspaper replica here. 17, 2020, " Fact check: Images claiming to show pro-Trump rally are from 2016 in Cleveland, 2018 in London"
NFL Memes has not responded to USA TODAY’s request for comment about the meme, which has received 3,500 reactions, nearly 600 comments and nearly 750 shares. More: Fact check: Congress expelled 14 members in 1861 for supporting the Confederacy The accompanying image showed a large crowd gathered in the streets, with a sign for Euclid Avenue visible. “Cleveland fans have taken to the streets after the Browns snapped their 18-year playoff drought!” reads a meme posted Jan. That night confusion about how fans were celebrating was making its way across Facebook. On Sunday the Cleveland Browns made the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2002 in a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watch Video: NFL headlines: Browns end league's longest playoff drought with win over Steelers The claim: Crowds celebrated Cleveland Browns' Jan.