The National Football League (NFL) on
Sunday released a PSA celebrating National Coming Out Day.
National Coming Out Day (October 11) is
celebrated on the anniversary of the 1987 National March on
Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. It emphasizes the importance
of coming out to create greater visibility for the LGBT community.
The 30-second ad features former NFL
players Ryan O'Callaghan, Jeff Rohrer (the first known NFL player to
be in a same-sex marriage), RK Russell, and Wade Davis, each of whom
came out after their professional football careers ended. Notably
absent is Michael Sam, the first openly gay football player drafted
by the NFL.
“On National Coming Out Day,”
O'Callaghan says.
“We come together with one clear
message,” Rohrer continues.
“To all current players who are
thinking of coming out,” Russell says.
“When you are ready,” Rohrer says.
“So are we,” Wade finishes.
The PSA also includes support from
current players, including Anthony Harris and Anthony Barr of the
Minnesota Vikings, Dalton Risner of the Denver Broncos, Calais
Campbell and Marlon Humphrey of the Baltimore Ravens, Jarvis Landry
of the Cleveland Browns, Rob Gronkowski of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers,
and DeAndre Hopkins of the Arizona Cardinals.
The ad ends with the tagline “It
takes all of us” and a rainbow-colored NFL logo.