LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 13: Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib #94 during NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on September 13, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Ravens 33-27 in overtime. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
After spending the first two years of his career in Cleveland, Carl Nassib made a name for himself with the Bucs before signing with the Las Vegas Raiders.
On Tuesday, Nassib signed a one-year contract to join the team (and coach) he thrived with.
The NFL world reacted to the news of Nassib’s signing.
“No signing. Love it, especially with Gill missing time,” commented one Bucs fan. “Wasn’t he captain in 2019 as well? So he also brings leadership.”
“How important is the signing of Carl Nassib by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?” asked Cyd Ziegler. “It could be one of the most shocking in the history of the LGBT community … and the NFL.”
“Bucs was the first [Carl Nassib] as a gem of a waiver claim in 2018 from the Browns: He had 6.5 sacks that year, then 6.0 in Todd Bowles’ defense in 2019. He didn’t find the same success in Las Vegas, totaling four sacks in two years, but now back to help with depth in Tampa Bay at 29,” tweeted Greg Auman of The Athletic.
“Every locker room culture is different,” Jenna Laine said. “But what told me the most about the one in Tampa was that there were Bucs players who told me after Carl Nassib came out, that they suspected/knew he was gay, and not only did they respect that secret but the they were totally supportive.”
Nassib last year became the first openly gay NFL player, pledging $100,000 Project Trevor during your announcement.