NFL Makes History with First Male Coach to Come Out as Gay

The National Football League (NFL) has made history with the announcement of Kevin Maxen, an associate strength coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars, as the first male coach in a major U.S.-based professional league to come out as gay.

Maxen, who has been with the Jaguars since 2018, made the announcement on Tuesday, saying “I don’t want to feel like I have to think about it anymore. I don’t want to feel like I have to lie about who I am seeing, or why I am living with someone else.”

Maxen’s announcement follows in the footsteps of NFL players who have come out as gay in the past, such as Michael Sam in 2014. Maxen’s announcement is a major milestone for the NFL, as it is the first time a male coach has come out publicly.

The announcement has been met with support from the NFL and the Jaguars organization. Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said in a statement, “We are proud to have Kevin as part of our organization and we fully support him and his decision.”

Maxen’s announcement is a sign of progress for the NFL and the LGBTQ+ community. “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.