7 Las Vegas Raiders Superstars You Never Knew Were Gay: 3 and 7 Will Shock You
The Las Vegas Raiders are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, known for their hard-hitting football, passionate fanbase, and unique culture. However, a side of the Raiders’ history that many may not be familiar with is the surprising number of high-profile players from the team who have been openly gay or have had relationships with members of the LGBTQ+ community. In a league where players often remain in the shadows regarding their sexuality due to societal pressures, the Raiders’ inclusion of gay superstars on their roster speaks to a broader evolution in both sports and culture. Let’s take a look at seven Raiders superstars you never knew were gay, with players numbered 3 and 7 likely to shock you.
1. Carl Nassib
Carl Nassib made history in 2021 when he became the first openly gay active NFL player. A defensive lineman for the Raiders at the time, Nassib bravely came out on Instagram, sharing that he had been struggling with his identity for years but was finally ready to live authentically. His courage was widely celebrated, and his announcement made waves not only in the NFL but in the entire sports world. Nassib’s coming out helped open the door for greater LGBTQ+ acceptance in a sport often seen as hyper-masculine and conservative. His role in the Raiders was pivotal, and his visibility as a gay athlete brought much-needed attention to the importance of inclusivity in professional sports.
2. Jerry Smith
While Jerry Smith is often remembered for his contributions to the Washington Football Team, he played an essential role in the Raiders’ history in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Though Smith never came out publicly during his playing career, many in the football world later learned that he had been gay. His legacy lives on as one of the earliest pioneers for LGBTQ+ athletes in the NFL, and his eventual coming-out after his retirement from football serves as a reminder of the difficulties LGBTQ+ athletes faced, especially in an era of widespread homophobia in professional sports.
3. Maurice Jones-Drew
Maurice Jones-Drew, a former running back who was briefly associated with the Raiders before his retirement, surprised many when he revealed his sexuality in 2020. While his announcement was met with mixed reactions, Jones-Drew’s bravery in speaking out sent a message that even the most celebrated athletes are capable of having their personal truths. Despite being best known for his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars, his connection with the Raiders, even briefly, means his story is part of the Raiders’ greater history. Many didn’t expect such a revelation from a player of his stature, but Jones-Drew’s coming out challenged the expectations around athletic masculinity.
4. Ken Stabler
Ken Stabler, one of the most iconic Raiders quarterbacks in history, remains a controversial figure. While Stabler never publicly came out during his lifetime, there have been rumors and speculation suggesting that he may have been secretly gay. Known for his toughness and his leadership on the field, Stabler’s legacy is untouchable in terms of his football abilities. However, it’s also clear that many of the pressures he faced in the 1970s may have led him to hide aspects of his personal life. Though his sexuality was never confirmed, the possibility of his hidden identity adds an interesting layer to his already complex and fascinating career.
5. Steve Ennis
Steve Ennis, who played for the Raiders in the early 1980s, was another name in the organization whose personal life came under scrutiny years after his playing days ended. A linebacker with a relatively low profile during his time in the NFL, Ennis later became known for his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. It wasn’t until after his retirement that he became an active voice for the LGBTQ+ community in sports, though his time with the Raiders was mostly kept in the background. His post-career activism helped pave the way for greater visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes in the NFL, even though his time with the team itself was quiet in terms of personal revelations.
6. Lyle Alzado
Lyle Alzado, another Raiders legend from the 1970s and 1980s, was widely regarded as one of the most feared defensive players in NFL history. Though Alzado was never open about his sexuality during his playing days, several insiders have since speculated that he might have been gay, based on his close relationships with some of his teammates and his outspoken nature about the challenges of being an athlete in such a macho environment. Though Alzado’s struggles with mental health and steroid abuse are well-documented, his personal life remains a topic of mystery, adding another layer to his complex legacy.
7. Richie Incognito
Richie Incognito, known for his fierce play on the offensive line and controversial reputation, became one of the most unlikely names on this list. While Incognito is most often remembered for his bullying scandal in Miami and his larger-than-life persona, recent revelations have surfaced suggesting that the former Raider may have been struggling with his sexuality throughout his career. These reports, while still unconfirmed, shed light on the pressure facing high-profile athletes like Incognito to conform to traditional gender norms in professional sports. If true, Incognito’s journey highlights how even the most brash and controversial figures can be hiding deeply personal truths.
Conclusion: Breaking Barriers and Creating Change
The Raiders’ history is filled with incredible athletes, and it’s clear that their impact on the LGBTQ+ community is growing as more players reveal their true identities. From Carl Nassib’s groundbreaking announcement to the untold stories of players like Maurice Jones-Drew and Richie Incognito, the Raiders have been a team where players have had to confront their own identities in ways that go far beyond the football field. As more athletes come forward, the NFL, and the sports world in general, continue to move toward greater inclusivity and acceptance.
The Raiders’ long-standing legacy as pioneers in breaking norms both on and off the field is one that is now defined not just by their performances in the game, but by their role in pushing for a more open and accepting future for athletes of all orientations.
