Meet Kennedy McDowell, Colorado State's Out Gay Football Player

Get to know Kennedy McDowell!

Kennedy McDowell is an out gay football player who’s currently playing for the Colorado State Rams in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I’s Mountain West Conference.

From Frisco, Texas, McDowell came out to his friends and family when he was in eighth grade. So, by the time he was recruited to the Rams, he had already been living as an out gay athlete for many years.

“Some colleges really didn’t want a gay football player, and I understand that,” he told The Athletic. “It’s a tough sport. Everybody has to be quote-unquote tough. But I was like, I want to be who I am, and I want to inspire other people to be who they are, too.”

Despite being out and living as his most authentic self, navigating the often-homophobic world of football hasn’t always been easy, which led to some built-up frustration for McDowell. He explained:

“Man, I never knew I had so much built-up aggression than when I’m pass-rushing. I swear I have anger issues. But it’s that adrenaline rush I love. I live for it.”

According to his profile on Fox Sports, McDowell is a 6’3” defensive lineman. On social media, he can be seen living his best life and regularly showing his LGBTQ+ pride. We have to stan!

Scroll through to see pictures of Kennedy McDowell – and make sure to follow him on Instagram at @_kennedycharles_.