American football is the epitome of traditional notions of masculinity. It is an alpha sport of violence and strength, followed by millions of white American males.
Now a Black coach in the sport has broken many barriers by coming out as gay. Kevin Maxen, an associate strength coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars, has become the first male coach in a major U.S league to come out as gay.
Maxen opened up on his personal life in an interview with ‘Outsports’.
“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.
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“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 said he began to question his silence on the matter when colleagues would talk about their spouses and families. He also wanted to speak about his boyfriend and the joy he felt about his relationship, but he would bottle it all up. Finally, he had enough of it.
“You have other coaches who have significant others, and they’re talking about their significant others,” Maxen said. “And I felt guilty that I couldn’t do the same thing, that I was letting myself down.”
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While Maxen is the first male coach to come out as gay, there have been examples of NFL players who have come out. In 2014, Michael Sam became the first gay player to be drafted when he was picked by the then-St. Louis Rams. Seven years later, Carl Nassib of the Las Vegas Raiders became the first active NFL player to come out. Last season, Nassib represented Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Among women coaches, Katie Sowers, a former assistant with the San Francisco 49ers, has come out as gay.
