FORMER NFL PLAYER OUT THE CLOSET

 

     Former NFL player Wade Davis has come out of the closet. He said, "It was time to stop hiding and tell the world he is gay". Him being gay was not what he wanted to be known for. That is the reason why he didn't tell none of his fellow football colleagues, not even the ones he was very close too. "I wanted to be Wade Davis the football player, not Wade the gay football player", he explained.

     Davis played in the league for seven years before retiring. He was a defensive back for the Tennessee Titans, Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins. Davis who is 34, now is an employee for Hetrick-Martin Institute, which serves lesbians, gays, bisexuals and trans-genders in the New York City area. Wade is also heavily involved in the Gay Flag Football League (GFFL). He is part of the New York Warriors. They won 3 straight gay bowls.

     Davis expressed that he doesn't believe most NFL players have a problem about having a gay teammate, but do believe they will protect who they are. He also acknowledges that at the end of the day it is still a job, so all the players have to be in a certain light.

     So far former teammate Jevon Kearse, said "I wouldn't have had a problem with Wade if he had told him that he was who he is". Jevon goes on to say that he believes there's others who haven't came out yet and some are still playing.

     Even though he loved the game of football, his new job at Hetrick-Martin is the first job he is excited to wake up for. He helps them find a place to sleep at night and whether they have eaten at all that day. "I tell them everyday here is where you can be yourself. You don't have to worry about how's you jump shot or if you can catch a ball. Here you learn to accept yourself and how to be very real with you", Wade stated.

     Davis understands that it would be hard for an active player to come out. If he is not a STAR player he could end up never getting off the bench or even staying on the bench his whole career. A STAR player may get a looser chain from fans and the organization. Along with getting sponsor from the gay businesses and sponsor, which would be more money in his pocket.

     Davis hopes him coming out will finally give others in the game and one retired the courage to say I am who I am. It is either you accept me or you don't.