From West Chester to the Hall of History: Carl Nassib’s Jersey Lands in the Smithsonian

The National Football League, a bastion of American athleticism and fierce competition, has long been a reflection of societal shifts. Yet, for decades, one aspect of diversity remained largely hidden within its locker rooms: LGBTQ+ identity. That began to change in a seismic way in June 2021, when West Chester native Carl Nassib, then a defensive end for the Las Vegas Raiders, made a profoundly personal and historic announcement: he was gay.

Fast forward to May 2025, and Nassib’s pioneering spirit is being cemented in the annals of American history. His No. 94 jersey, worn during the game where he became the first openly gay NFL player to participate in a regular season game, now stands proudly on display in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. This isn’t just about a jersey; it’s about a moment, a movement, and a powerful symbol of progress in professional sports and beyond.

A West Chester Story: Roots of Resilience

Carl Nassib’s journey to the NFL and ultimately to the Smithsonian began in West Chester, Pennsylvania. A standout athlete at Malvern Preparatory School, Nassib’s dedication and talent were evident early on. He went on to play college football at Penn State, initially as a walk-on, before developing into one of the nation’s most dominant defensive players, leading the NCAA in sacks in 2015. His impressive collegiate career propelled him to the NFL, where he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2016.

His rise in the NFL was marked by consistent performance and a reputation as a hardworking, committed player. But beneath the pads and helmet, Nassib carried a personal truth that he eventually felt compelled to share with the world.

The Historic Announcement: June 21, 2021

On June 21, 2021, from his home in West Chester, Carl Nassib posted a video on Instagram that sent ripples through the sports world and captivated national attention. “What’s up, people?” he began, a relaxed demeanor belying the magnitude of his words. “I’m at my house in West Chester, Pennsylvania. I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay. I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but finally feel comfortable getting it off my chest.”¹

The announcement² was met with an outpouring of support from teammates, coaches, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and even President Joe Biden, who tweeted his congratulations, stating, “Because of you, countless kids around the world are seeing themselves in a new light today.” Nassib’s courage was lauded, not just for his personal bravery, but for the profound impact it would have on aspiring athletes and LGBTQ+ youth who might have previously felt isolated or unseen in the world of professional sports.

Nassib also pledged $100,000 to The Trevor Project, a leading suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ young people, underscoring his commitment to supporting his community beyond his own personal narrative.

More Than a Game: The First Out Player on the Field

The significance of Nassib’s revelation was further amplified on September 13, 2021, when he took the field for the Las Vegas Raiders against the Baltimore Ravens. That night, Carl Nassib became the first openly gay NFL player to play in a regular season game. And in a script that Hollywood couldn’t have written better, he forced a game-winning strip-sack of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in overtime, leading to a Raiders victory. It was a powerful demonstration that his identity did not diminish his ability to perform at the highest level of professional sports.

The Smithsonian Honor: A Symbol of Social Progress

The decision by the Smithsonian National Museum of American History to acquire and display Carl Nassib’s jersey is a testament to the enduring significance of his actions. Starting May 21, 2025, the jersey became a permanent part of the museum’s collection, featured in the entertainment nation wing on the third floor. The museum stated that Nassib’s “story marks an important moment in the fight for greater recognition and acceptance of LGBTQ+ players in American sports.”³

Nassib himself expressed his deep appreciation for the honor, telling Newsweek, “It is one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced. I love it. And I wish I had some, you know, prophetic answer [about its significance],⁴ but I just feel maybe like, down the line, I’ll appreciate the importance of it a little bit more.” He also emphasized that the honor is “an homage to all the people in my community that came before me that put me in a position to be able to come out and be able to play the sport that I love and be who I was all day every day.”⁵

This enshrinement in the Smithsonian transcends a mere display of sports memorabilia. It signifies:

• Visibility and Representation: For generations, LGBTQ+ individuals in sports often felt compelled to remain closeted due to fear of discrimination, rejection, or career repercussions. Nassib’s public coming out provided a powerful visual of an openly gay man thriving in a traditionally hyper-masculine environment. His jersey in the Smithsonian serves as a constant reminder of this breakthrough.
• Challenging Stereotypes: Nassib’s story helps dismantle harmful stereotypes about LGBTQ+ athletes. It demonstrates that being gay has no bearing on one’s athletic prowess, leadership, or ability to contribute to a team.
• Inspiring Future Generations: For young LGBTQ+ athletes, seeing Nassib’s jersey in such a prestigious institution sends a clear message: You can be your authentic self and still achieve your dreams, even in professional sports. It offers hope and validation, showing them that there is a path forward where they don’t have to choose between their identity and their passion.
• Documenting Social Change: Museums like the Smithsonian are curators of history. By including Nassib’s jersey, they are actively documenting a critical turning point in the broader movement for LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion in American society. It’s a recognition that sports are not separate from, but rather integral to, the ongoing narrative of civil rights and social progress.
• Fostering Dialogue and Acceptance: Nassib’s decision sparked conversations in locker rooms, living rooms, and across media platforms. The Smithsonian display continues this dialogue, inviting visitors to reflect on the importance of acceptance, courage, and authenticity.

The Broader Impact: A Paving of the Way

While Carl Nassib holds the distinction of being the first openly gay active NFL player, his actions stand on the shoulders of those who came before him. Athletes like Jason Collins in the NBA, who came out after his professional career, paved the way. Nassib’s courage, however, broke a significant barrier in one of America’s most popular and traditionally conservative sports leagues.

His coming out, and the overwhelmingly positive response it received, has undoubtedly made it easier for other athletes to consider living openly. It has fostered a more inclusive environment within the NFL and, by extension, within the broader sports landscape. The league’s embrace of Nassib, and its recognition of the importance of diversity, reflects a growing understanding that inclusion strengthens the sport and broadens its appeal.

A Legacy Beyond the Field

Carl Nassib retired from the NFL in 2023, but his legacy extends far beyond his tackles and sacks. His decision to come out, and the subsequent recognition by the Smithsonian, ensures that his impact will be felt for generations. He has become a beacon of authenticity, a symbol of progress, and a powerful reminder that history is made not just through grand political gestures, but also through the quiet, courageous acts of individuals living their truth.

The West Chester native’s jersey in the Smithsonian is more than an artifact; it is a monument to courage, a testament to the power of visibility, and a hopeful sign for a more inclusive future in sports and in America. It reminds us that true strength lies not just in physical prowess, but in the unwavering commitment to being who you are, inspiring countless others along the way.