Report: In 104 years of NFL history there were 16 players who were openly gay or bi-sexual
How many gay or bi-sexual players have played in the NFL over the past 104 years? Outsports breaks down the list of 16 players, who have openly come out publicly.
To only have 16 out players among the thousands who have been on preseason, practice squad or regular season NFL rosters (23,000 and counting in a survey done in 2014) is barely a blip and shows the stigma that still surrounds people who play football.
Dave Kopay was the first player to come out, in 1975, three years after retiring after a nine-year career.
Played in a regular season game
Dave Kopay (1964-72): Running back with the 49ers, Lions, Washington, Saints, and Packers.
Jerry Smith (1965-77): Tight end with Washington. The NFL Network produced a documentary on Smith being gay.
Ray McDonald (1967-68): Running back with Washington.
Roy Simmons (1979-83): Offensive lineman with the Giants and Redskins.
Jeff Rohrer (1982-89): Linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys.
Esera Tuaolo (1991-99: Defensive tackle with the Packers, Vikings, Jaguars, Falcons and Panthers. Played in the Super Bowl with the 1998 Falcons.
Kwame Harris (2003-08): Offensive lineman with the 49ers and Raiders.
Ryan O’Callaghan (2006-11): Offensive lineman with the Patriots and Chiefs. Played in the Super Bowl with the 2007 Patriots.
Ryan Russell (2015-17, spent 2018 in Bills camp): Defensive lineman with the Buccaneers and Cowboys. Identifies as bisexual.
Carl Nassib (2016-22): Defensive lineman with the Browns, Buccaneers and Raiders.
Attended training camp
Wade Davis (2000-03): Wide receiver with the Titans, Seahawks and Washington.
Dorien Bryant (2008): Wide receiver with the Steelers.
Martin Jenkins (1977): Defensive back with the Seahawks.
Brad Thorson (2011): Offensive lineman with the Cardinals.
Michael Sam (2014): Defensive end with the Rams. Also on the Cowboys practice squad.
Colton Underwood (2014-20): Tight end had preseason or practice squad stints with the Chargers, Eagles and Raiders.
I am sure that list is a lot bigger, but the players have not all come out publicly. Even in the article of Outsports, it says many players have come out to Outsports, but asked to not be public.
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