NFL Declares ‘Football Is Gay’ In Ad After First Active Athlete’s Coming-Out
Image via NFL
Coinciding with Pride Month, the National Football League has showcased a supportive stance for Carl Nassib, a Las Vegas Raiders player who publicly came out as gay last week.
Debunking masculine stereotypes in sports, its new video produced by advertising agency 72andSunny proclaims football to be “gay,” among several other descriptors signifying broader representation.
Above all, “football is for everyone,” the NFL reaffirms. A rainbow variation of the NFL logo is displayed, reinforcing the organization’s alliance with The Trevor Project, which serves as a support system to prevent suicide in the young LGBTQ+ community.
While the NFL has a whole campaign of Pride content planned for the month, this video came as unexpected and was created following Nassib’s coming-out, which marked the first time an active athlete of the league has come out publicly.
“We were incredibly inspired by Carl and his bravery and honesty, and he is the impetus behind the spot where we channeled his inclusivity and boldness,” the NFL told Ad Age. “This spot ladders up to our broader mission to always support and stand behind causes that are most important to our players—like the Trevor Project for Carl.”
But the unforeseen announcement isn’t why the video turned out so minimal. The NFL explained that its simplicity was to send its message across: “that the NFL both accepts and welcomes you to football… so we put it in black and white.”
If you love this game, you are welcome here. Football is for all. Football is for everyone.
— NFL (@NFL) June 28, 2021
The NFL stands by the LGBTQ+ community today and every day.
For more information on how you can help the @TrevorProject, visit https://t.co/YtauzLAHIF pic.twitter.com/bkdWkAZ3vF
[via Ad Age, video and cover image via NFL]
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