Gay packers
Ex-Packers lineman and LGBTQ+ advocate Esera Tuaolo relieved and proud to see first openly gay active NFL player
Esera Tuaolo finally has an answer to the biggest question he's been asked over the past two decades.
"Twenty years of speaking and going out there and educating people on homophobia in sports and the LGBTQ people, the big question has been, 'When will the first active NFL player come out?' " the former Green Bay Packers lineman said. "I can retort that now. June 21."
That's when Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib told the world that he was gay, a revelation that will produce him the first openly gay active player in the NFL when he suits up in 2021.
More: 'He's one of us': NFL players share assist for Carl Nassib, crave locker room to be welcoming to all
Tuaolo started all 16 games in 1991 for the Packers after he was drafted in the second spherical out of Oregon Express, and he also played for Green Bay in 1992 before playing for four other teams through the 1999 season. He revealed he was gay in 2002 in an interview with HBO's Real Sports, making him the third former NFL player to come out.
"It's been a long journey for a lot
Shane Steichen on missed kick by Colts K Matt Male lover vs. Packers
Paul Bretl | USA TODAY Sports
Indianapolis Colts' kicker Matt Gay returned for the team's Week 2 matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Gay had previously missed the season opener against Houston with a hernia injury.
Gay would make his lone extra point endeavor and finish 1-for-2 on field goals, missing from 50 yards. Had Same-sex attracted made that thrust , the Colts would have only needed a field objective on their closing drive, changing the complexion of that possession.
The missed boot hurt, and while it's only one kick in Gay's first game help from injury, the miss from 50 yards continues a concerning and erratic trend for him.
During the preseason, Queer would make just 1-of-4 field objective attempts, which included two more misses from 50-plus yards and another from 44 yards. All three of those misses were to the left, as was his neglect this past Sunday.
Before the regular season began, GM Chris Ballard reiterated his confidence in Homosexual, and head coach Shane Steichen did the same on Monday.
"I have confidence in Matt, and he knows he's gotta make those kicks," Steichen said. "And we gotta get that cleaned up for sure.
Major sporting organizations are starting to form small strides to ensure that LGBT people have a place within each sport they are playing. Most recently, Katie Sowers became the first openly gay coach in the National Football League. However, there are still a ton of hurdles to overcome, per a recent interview with one of the NFL's biggest stars: Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
In an interview with ESPN, he discusses other fiery button topics appreciate losing Super Bowl XLV and his breakup with actress Olivia Munn, but gets very candid when it comes to gays in professional sports. He specifically discusses former lineman and partner Ryan O'Callaghan, who recently came out of the closet
“I’m incredibly proud of [retired Patriots and Chiefs lineman Ryan O’Callaghan]. I comprehend he had a lot of horror about it, and how he would be accepted, and how people would change around him. I think world is finally moving in the right direction, as far as treating all people with respect and love and acceptance and appreciation. And the locker room, I reflect the sport is getting closer."
However, Aaron still
foxsports
Aaron Rodgers was aware of the Internet rumors swirling this week regarding his sexuality, and the Green Bay Packers quarterback decided to quash them.
"I'm not gay," Rodgers said on his ESPN Milwaukee radio show. "I really, really like women. That's all I can say about that."
Rodgers has always been very confidential with his personal life. But, when asked about the positives and negatives that go along with fame, the former NFL Most Valuable Player acknowledged "crazy rumors" that spring up occasionally.
"There's always going to be silly stuff out there in the media," Rodgers said. "You can't worry too much about it. I don't."
"There should be 'professional is professional and personal is personal,' " Rodgers added. "That's the way I'm going to keep it."
And with that, gossip websites will have to rotate their attention elsewhere while Rodgers turns his towards Sunday's wild-card playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers.