Karl Nassib, the NFL’s first openly gay player, announced his retirement from football on Wednesday.
Nassib reflected on his football career and made the announcement in a post on Instagram. He plans to dedicate his time to his company, Rayze, he said. Rayze is an app that connects people to nonprofits that appeal to their interests based on where they live.
“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,” Nassib wrote.
“It feels like just yesterday when I started out as a bye at Penn State. Football has given me more than I could have ever imagined. You can really hang it.”
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Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Karl Nassib warms up before a game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Oct. 10, 2021. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“God, my family and friends, you’ve always been there when I didn’t know,” Nassib continued. He also yelled out about his agent, Brian Aloe, saying, “He was the first footballer to come out and he didn’t even blink.”
“He encouraged and motivated me to follow through on my presentation and make the biggest impact possible.”
Nassib also referenced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, particularly Jason Licht and John Spytech, who have rekindled his career on two occasions.
Raiders’ Karl Nassib on coming out as gay: ‘I didn’t know if it would ruin my career’
As Nassib said, the road to the NFL was a tough one for the walk-on from Penn State.
Karl Nassib of the Las Vegas Raiders celebrates with fans after the Raiders beat the Cleveland Browns 16-14 at Cleveland’s FirstEnergy Stadium. (Nick Camet/Diamond Images via Getty Images)
“Those who dream of being the best should never convince anyone that it is impossible,” Nassib wrote. “Do your best in whatever you do. Work hard, make smart decisions, and be kind to others.”
Nassib concluded his retirement announcement by saying he would work with the NFL’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts.
“Maintaining that relationship shows that the NFL continues to support me,” Nassib recently told People. “They have been very supportive of me over the past two years. Without their support, I would not have been able to accomplish this.”
Nassib came out publicly in June 2021 while playing for the Las Vegas Raiders. He said the reception from the league, teammates, coaches and the general public was “incredible”.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Karl Nassib left the field after his team won 17-13 against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Nassib, 30, was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2016 draft. He recorded two and a half sacks and 20 tackles in 14 games (three starts) that season. He played two seasons with Cleveland and began his first stint with the Buccaneers in 2018.
Nassib set career highs that year with 6 1/2 sacks, 12 tackles and 14 quarterback hits. After two seasons in Tampa, he moved west with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 and 2021.
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After a disappointing four sacks in two seasons, the Bucks brought Nassib back last season to record three and a half sacks in backup.
