Gay men in the nfl
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Male cheerleaders are so common these days, they’ve participated in each of the last four Super Bowls.
“This is iconic! The classically trained dancer is also a reality star. "I know that 30 isn't the be-all-end-all ...
Over the last week, ginned up conservative ire has expanded past the Vikings and onto other teams with male cheer superstars.
He's now married.
Ryan Russell (2015-18)
Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images
Russell isn't gay.
“In 2025, approximately one-third of NFL teams have male cheerleaders. “And during those years, I was bullied for being gay. Simmons became the second ex-NFL player to come out publicly when he admitted it on "The Phil Donahue Show" in 1992.
Despite facing bullying for his sexual orientation during his school years, he continued pursuing his passion and became a competitive dancer at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa. Everyone is my baby vampires!”
Related
Napoleon Jinnies on cheering for a Super Bowl champ, flexibility & the benefits of a good facial
Napoleon Jinnies was one of the first gay cheerleaders to grace an NFL sideline.
The star of “The Bachelor” said he has been struggling with his sexuality his whole life.
In June, Carl Nassib of the Raiders came out as gay.
2022 update
In August, Carl Nassib signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
2023 update
Carl Nassib retired from the NFL after seven seasons.
2024 update
Reflects no new out players in the league this season.
2025 update
Reflects no new out players in the league this season.
(This story first ran in 2019 and is updated when new players come out and before the start of each season.)
The post Meet the 16 out gay and bi football players in the NFL’s 106-year history appeared first on Outsports.
He knows this because many of them have reached out to him. Washed up actor Kevin Sorbo and other Vikings “fans” may proclaim they’re now going to find a new team to watch on Sundays. But the opposite has happened.
We can’t wait to watch!
Related
Right on cue, homophobes lose it over the NFL’s new male cheerleaders
The Minnesota Vikings are the latest NFL team to add male cheerleaders to their dance squad.
He told ESPN his declining play may have been due to the pressures of hiding who he was. 6, 2023.
“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.
Despite 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.
Here is the list of football players in the NFL who have come out:
Played in a regular season game
Dave Kopay (1964-72): Running back with the 49ers, Lions, Washington, Saints, and Packers.
Jerry Smith (1965-77): Tight end with Washington.
You are gladiators; you are male; you kick butt."
Jeff Rohrer (1982-89)
Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images
What would you say if I told you a former Dallas Cowboy married the man of his dreams? His former teammate, David Kopay, revealed in his 1977 book that the two once had a fling, essentially outing Smith and confirming his sexuality.
As more teams recognize the value of representation and diversity, the NFL could set a precedent for other professional sports leagues worldwide.
Which of these gay NFL cheerleaders is your favorite? Justine Lindsay, an out trans cheerleader, also cheered for the Carolina Panthers (she’s retiring this year after three seasons with the TopCats).