Carl Nassib Designs Rainbow Cleats to Spotlight the LGBTQ+ Community

Out Las Vegas Raider Carl Nassib used the NFL's "My Cause, My Cleats" charitable campaign to support the LGBTQ+ community, and he wasn't alone! Nassib chose to represent The Trevor Project, which supports at-risk LGBTQ+ youth, while straight ally Cleveland Browns fullback Johnny Stanton brought visibility to Athlete Ally, which seeks to eliminate homophobia in sports.

"I wanted to back a cause that was important to me as an athlete," Stanton told Cyd Ziegler and Outsports. "The fact that some people don't feel comfortable enough in their own identity to participate in sports breaks my heart. No one should feel unwelcome on the field or the court. If just one person being an ally can help them feel more comfortable, then I'm happy to be that person."

The "My Cause, My Cleats" program allows NFL players to wear customized cleats during a game to call attention to the charity of their choice. Players can later auction off their cleats to benefit their selected charities. This is the first time there have been two players recognizing LGBTQ+ groups, and only once before has a player done so previously.

Stanton revealed his motivation was partly personal, as his uncle, Patrick Stanton, was a closeted gay swimmer and Olympic hopeful who never felt secure enough with his identity to come out while he was swimming.

"I don't want the athletes coming out today to feel like they can't be themselves," Stanton said.

Stanton is an Athlete Ally Ambassador, one of a group of professional and amateur athletes working to end homophobia and transphobia in sports, leading by example. While Stanton is straight, he is a strong ally to the community.

Nassib made history when he became the first out gay active player in the NFL.

"What's up people," Nassib said in his now-famous Instagram video. "I'm at my house in West Chester, Pennsylvania. I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay."

Nassib used the opportunity to donate $100,000 to The Trevor Project, which helps LGBTQ+ youth at risk of death by suicide, and challenged others to do the same. The NFL quickly matched Nassib's contribution.

After making an impact with his off-field announcement, Nassib promptly went out and forced a fumble that was turned into a game-winner touchdown in overtime in the Raiders' season opener on the league's premier weekly game, Monday Night Football, against the Baltimore Ravens.

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