There’s a new name in the list of the NFL stars who announced early retirement from the league. This time, it’s outside linebacker Carl Nassib, who recently retired from the NFL. The star player decided to leave the league after a 7-year career full of ups and downs. He announced his retirement on September 06 with an emotional message.
Carl Nassib took to Instagram to inform his fans about his decision to retire. He shared an extremely long note along with a carousel of pictures depicting his NFL journey. The outside linebacker referred to his retirement as a “bittersweet moment”. Massive mentioned how the game gave him more than he “ever could imagine”. He also mentioned that he’ll be focusing on his company after retirement.
“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… Football has given me more than I ever could have imagined… I gave it everything I had… It was always my dream to play in the NFL… I really feel like the luckiest guy on the planet,” he wrote.
Born in April 1993, the NFL star debuted in the league in 2016 after the Cleveland Browns drafted him. He was the team’s 65th pick in the third round of the NFL draft. He signed his rookie contract for 4 years with the team worth $3.2 million. Carl Nassib played for 4 teams throughout his 7-year career.
During his NFL career, Carl Nassib recorded a total of 187 tackles along with 4 forced fumbles. He also has 2 fumble recoveries, 19 pass deflections, and 1 interception. Now, the star player has finally made up his mind to get over the game.
Carl Nassib was the first active gay player in the NFL
Carl Nassib was the first active gay player in the NFL after he revealed his sexuality in June 2021. The former Las Vegas Raiders star took to Instagram back then to talk about him being a gay. He posted a video of himself along with a long message thanking his family and friends who supported him.
“I have agonized over this moment for the last 15 years. Only until recently, thanks to my family and friends, especially Connor, Cason, and Francis, did it seem possible for me to say publicly and proudly that I’m gay. I am also incredibly thankful for the NFL, my coaches, and fellow players for their support,” he wrote.
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The star player also mentioned that his agent Brian Ayrault was the first person in the football world whom he shared the truth with. Carl Nassib revealed that he “encouraged and motivated” him. Later on, the former Buccaneers star mentioned that he thought “nobody would care”. However, “it was just such a good feeling to have all that support” he said.
Carl Nassib undeniably showed great courage by announcing his sexuality openly. The Lombardi trophy winner made it clear that he didn’t want to hide anything from anyone. Nassib also revealed during an interview that it’s always the game on his mind and not his sexuality. For now, fans are wishing the star player all the luck for his new beginnings.