Exploring the Journey of Out Gay Players in the NFL Draft

In the vibrant and historic city of Green Bay, Wisconsin, the 2025 NFL Draft is set to make its debut for the first time ever. Starting at 8pm Eastern Time on Thursday, April 24, millions will tune in to watch the excitement unfold on ABC, ESPN, and the NFL Network, as young athletes from colleges across the nation await the chance to be called by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to join the ranks of professional football.

This year, like every year, the draft is a pinnacle moment for aspiring NFL players. It’s a time of dreams and hopes as hundreds of former college football players are eager to hear their names announced. With 257 total selections to be made, many more players will continue to pursue their NFL dreams through tryouts and mini-camps even after the draft concludes.

The Legacy of LGBTQ+ Players in the NFL Draft

Among the tens of thousands of athletes who have participated in the NFL Draft over the years, a small yet significant number have been openly gay or bisexual. Historically, a total of 10 players who identified as gay or bi have been drafted by NFL teams, yet only a single player was openly out at the time of his selection.

This year, in 2025, none of the prospects have publicly come out as gay. However, considering the numbers, it’s statistically inevitable that some of the players are gay or bi and just haven’t publicly shared their sexual orientation.

The Pioneers: Out Gay Players in the NFL Draft

Throughout the history of the NFL Draft, there have been three brave and publicly out gay players who declared their intention to join the NFL. Of these three, only one was drafted, marking a significant milestone in the intersection of LGBTQ+ identities and professional sports.

Michael Sam, DE, Missouri — 2014
Michael Sam was a trailblazer, becoming the first openly gay athlete to enter the NFL Draft. His courageous step to live openly and authentically was groundbreaking, and he eventually became the first to be selected in the draft when the St. Louis Rams chose him in the seventh round of 2014.

Sam’s journey was not without its challenges. Despite showing promise during the preseason, he was released by the Rams before the regular season began. He had a brief stint with the Dallas Cowboys but never participated in a regular-season NFL game. Later, he found opportunities to play and coach internationally with the Barcelona Dragons in the European Football League.

Scott Frantz, OT, Kansas State — 2020
Scott Frantz, a standout offensive tackle at Kansas State, came out publicly during his sophomore year, earning widespread support from his school and teammates. His prospects seemed bright, yet he faced several obstacles that impeded his path to the NFL. His physical measurements were not ideal for the position, and his performance at Pro Day didn’t meet expectations. Furthermore, the limitations on workouts and meetings in 2020 due to global events prevented him from getting the post-Draft opportunities he might have otherwise had.

Byron Perkins, DB, Hampton — 2024
Byron Perkins, a dedicated player from Hampton, was a hopeful candidate in the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite his hard work and dedication, Perkins faced long odds as players from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are infrequently drafted. Ultimately, his name wasn’t called during the draft, yet he remains an inspiration for many aspiring athletes from underrepresented backgrounds.

The Ongoing Journey

The journey of openly gay athletes in the NFL Draft continues to evolve. As the visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals grow, so too does the hope for more representation within professional sports. The courage of players like Michael Sam, Scott Frantz, and Byron Perkins paves the way for future athletes to embrace their true selves without fear.

For those involved in the world of sports, staying informed and engaged with LGBTQ+ issues is vital. Subscribing to newsletters and following updates can offer insights into locker room dynamics, pressing issues, and the triumphs of LGBTQ athletes worldwide.

The story of LGBTQ+ players in the NFL Draft is one of resilience and progress. While this year may not feature any publicly out gay players entering the draft, the legacy of those who have come before continues to inspire. The possibility of seeing more out gay athletes in professional football grows with each passing year, promising a future of inclusivity and diversity on and off the field.