The NFL made a stand with the LGBTQ+ community after it released a video on Monday to show its support, declaring that “football is gay.”

The statement, which aims to unequivocally support the LGBTQ+ rights of fans, players and coaches, was posted to the NFL’s official Twitter account where it has already received over 3,000 likes, The Source reported.

In the 30-second clip, a black backdrop first highlights the white words, “Football is Gay.” The statement is followed by “Football is Lesbian, Football is Beautiful, Football is Queer, and Football is life,” among a string of other inclusive terms.

Near the end of the clip, the sports league declares, “NFL Proudly Supports The Trevor Project,” which is the world’s largest suicide prevention organization for LGBTQ+ youth, according to its website.  

The announcement comes just one week after Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib disclosed he was gay, Deadline reported. The 28-year-old became the first active NFL player to do so.

According to Outsports, an NFL spokesperson said the video is a direct response to Nassib’s announcement.  

“I am proud of the clear message this spot sends to the NFL’s LGBTQ+ fans: This game is unquestionably for you,” Sam Rapoport, the NFL diversity director, said.

Some, however, were not moved by the league’s recent show of support.

According to Outsports, fans took to Twitter to question why Pride Month had anything to do with football or sports in general. Others claimed they would boycott the NFL by unfollowing the franchise for the month of June.

Others pointed out that the league didn't show the same energy when standing for racial justice, claiming it still ignores efforts to support civil rights. 

One user went as far as to photoshop the clip adding “Except For Kaepernick,” referring to the former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick who was blackballed by the NFL for using his platform to speak against police brutality.

In response to the backlash against gay rights, former New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs player Ryan O’Callaghan ignored those claims, saying this is the right time for the NFL to support gay athletes. 

“The response shows people’s lack of understanding and ignorance,” he said. “I’m glad the NFL does it. Small gestures like that add up.” 

The NFL and wider sports community are no strangers to criticism for its handling, or lack thereof, for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2013, The New York Times reported on how the league was being pressured at the time for remarks made toward certain players.

Now, leaders within the football community say they are proud of the league and their work toward acceptance for all. 

NFL Chief Marketing Officer Tim Ellis said the decision to celebrate Pride was an important step for inclusion within the sport. 

“It’s imperative that we use our voice and leverage the NFL platform to drive positive change, which includes supporting what our players care about and what they stand for,” Ellis said. 

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