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.
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.
2016: Drafted by Cleveland Browns
In 2016, Carl Nassib was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the NFL draft.
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.
2021: Came Out As Gay
In 2021, Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player to publicly come out as gay.
2021: Played as Openly Gay Player
In the Raiders' 2021 season opener, Carl Nassib became the first openly gay player in NFL history to play in a game.
January 15, 2022: Played in Playoff Game
On January 15, 2022, Carl Nassib became the first openly gay player to play in an NFL playoff game.
March 17, 2022: Released by the Raiders
On March 17, 2022, Carl Nassib was released by the Las Vegas Raiders.
August 16, 2022: Signed with Buccaneers
On August 16, 2022, Carl Nassib signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
September 6, 2023: Retired from the NFL
On September 6, 2023, Carl Nassib announced his retirement from the NFL.
April 2024: Announced Draft Pick
In April 2024, Carl Nassib joined The Trevor Project founder Peggy Rajski to announce the Cleveland Browns’ second round draft pick on live TV.