NFL coach comes out as gay in historic moment in American sports

20 July 2023 , 23:05

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Jacksonville Jaguars strength coach Kevin Maxen (R) has publicly come out as gay (Image: Instagram/Kmax3824)

Jacksonville Jaguars coach Kevin Maxen has made history by becoming the first active NFL coach to publicly come out as gay.

Maxen is an associate strength coach for the Jaguars and is believed to be the first active male coach to take the brave step in a major American professional sports league. He has given an inspiring interview to Outsports explaining how wants to live his life openly.

“I don’t want to feel like I have to think about it anymore,” Maxen said. “I don’t want to feel like I have to lie about who I am seeing, or why I am living with someone else.

“I want to be vocal in support of people living how they want to live, but I also want to just live and not feel fear about how people will react.”

Maxen (L) and boyfriend Nick have been together for over two years (Instagram/Kmax3824)

Maxen and his boyfriend, Nick, have been dating for over two years. After initially feeling he needed to stay quiet about his boyfriend, as colleagues shared stories of their personal lives, he now feels more comfortable opening up about his relationship.

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Maxen was a college football player for Division III school Western Connecticut State University. He played linebacker and led the team in tackles for two seasons as he captained the team but he was questioning his sexuality at the time.

He works with the Jaguars' offensive and defensive linemen on their workout plans and travels to most games with the team during the season. He is now preparing for a big pre-season as the franchise looks to build on their strong end to last season.

Before joining the Jaguars he worked as a strength coach with both Baylor and Vanderbilt. Whilst female assistant coaches in the NFL have publicly been out, Maxen is the first male to make the brave step.

Carl Nassib became the first active player to come out last year (Getty Images)

Last June, Carl Nassib made history by becoming the first active NFL player to come out as gay in a brave statement. Maxen contacted Nassib in February 2022 seeking advice on his journey to coming out.

Maxen has received support from the Jaguars, with offensive lineman Brandon Linden concluding a powerful message by saying: “Kevin, I’m proud to call you a friend and excited to see what the future holds for you Kev. I know your story can help so many people. You the man! All shall be well!”

Marcus Pollard, Jaguars Director of Player Development, said: “In an environment that is diversifying, it is a privilege to work alongside Kevin who is hardworking, dedicated and thriving as a strength and conditioning coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars."

Rich Jones