In the early hours of Wednesday morning, former Penn State standout Carl Nassib made the announcement of his retirement from the sport of football.
Taking to Instagram, Nassib expressed his gratitude to fans for their unwavering support throughout his impressive seven-year NFL career. Notably, he became the first openly gay active player in the league back in 2021.
Nassib’s Instagram post read, “This is a bittersweet moment for me, but after seven seasons and just over 100 NFL games, I am officially retiring from football to focus on my company, Rayze.”
Reflecting on his journey, he added, “It really feels like just yesterday when I began as a walk-on at Penn State. Football has provided me with more than I could ever have imagined. I can truly hang up my helmet for the last time, knowing I gave it everything I had. Since my childhood, I’ve cherished the joy of playing football, the pursuit of perfection, and the brief window in which every player chases their dreams. It makes reaching them all the more exhilarating. It has always been my dream to play in the NFL, even as a walk-on, and I genuinely feel like the luckiest guy on the planet.”
Fans flooded social media with messages of support for Nassib once again, acknowledging his remarkable contributions:
“Browns legend, thank you. The LGBT+ sports fans appreciate you more than you will ever know, Carl, for your courage!” expressed one fan.
“You broke down barriers and inspired millions. Thank you, and enjoy the next stage!” added another.
“Thank you for being your authentic self. You have saved lives. Our community is fortunate to have you, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you!” emphasized a third.
Carl, we wish you the best in your retirement!
