Nine NFL players have lent their names
to a line of Gay Pride shirts being sold by the NFL Players
Association (NFLPA) in support of Athlete Ally, a group working to
end homophobia in sports.
“I am extremely proud to be a part of
this collaboration between Athlete Ally and the NFLPA's One Team Shop
to raise awareness both of Pride month and the issue of tolerance and
respect within the NFL itself,” Chris Kluwe, punter for the Oakland
Raiders, said in a statement. “As players, we are role models to a
wide variety of people, and this is a great way to send a message of
empathy to those who love and watch the game.”
Hudson Taylor, the founder and
executive director of Athlete Ally, added: “Athlete Ally is a proud
partner in this effort as the NFLPA makes clear to all its players
that the union supports and welcomes them, regardless of sexual
orientation, and to all LGBT fans that they are respected.”
The One Team Pride Shirts cost $24.99
at the NFLPA's
online store.
Each shirt includes the option to add
the jersey number of the following players: Brendon Ayanbadejo,
Connor Barwin, Scott Fujita, Steve Gleason, Chris Gocong, Chris
Kluwe, Donte Stallworth, Terrell Suggs and Eric Winston.
“I'm pretty stoked that people can
buy something with my number on it,” Kluwe added.
(Related: Nike
#BETRUE sneaker celebrates gay pride.)