Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Carl Nassib

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 27, 2025

Discover the career path of Carl Nassib, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Carl Nassib is a former American football player who played as a defensive end and linebacker in the NFL for seven seasons. He played college football at Penn State, earning All-American honors. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2016, he also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Las Vegas Raiders. In 2021, Nassib made history as the first active NFL player to publicly come out as gay, making him the first openly gay player to participate in a regular season NFL game.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2011: Enrolled at Penn State

In 2011, Carl Nassib enrolled at Pennsylvania State University and joined the Nittany Lions as a walk-on player.

2013: Played First Games

In 2013, Carl Nassib played in 10 games for the Nittany Lions, recording 12 tackles and one sack.

2015: Became a Starter

In 2015, Carl Nassib became a starter for the first time in his senior year and reached 10 sacks in only six games.

2016: Signed with Cleveland Browns

In 2016, Carl Nassib was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and signed a four-year contract worth about $3.2 million.

2017: Became a Starter for the Browns

In 2017, Carl Nassib became a starter for the Cleveland Browns.

September 2, 2018: Waived by the Browns

On September 2, 2018, Carl Nassib was waived by the Cleveland Browns.

September 3, 2018: Claimed by Tampa Bay Buccaneers

On September 3, 2018, Carl Nassib was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

March 27, 2020: Signed with Las Vegas Raiders

On March 27, 2020, Carl Nassib signed a three-year, $25 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.

June 21, 2021: Publicly Came Out as Gay

On June 21, 2021, Carl Nassib publicly came out as gay, becoming the first active NFL player to do so. He pledged to donate $100,000 to The Trevor Project.