Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Raiders president: 'We're very proud' of Carl Nassib

Add Las Vegas Raiders team president Marc Badain to the growing list of individuals who have verbally supported defensive end Carl Nassib since Nassib made history Monday by becoming the first active NFL player to come out as openly gay. 

"Well look, as an organization, we’re very proud of him," Badain explained Tuesday, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "The organization has always sort of been built on a progressive mentality. Mr. [Al] Davis started that when he was with the team and some of the things he did with throughout the years in the 60s and 70s. And Mark has really continued that. And I think you can look at Mark’s words for how the organization feels. His first reaction was a genuine one — it’s 2021 and we’re still making a big deal out of this. But we really shouldn’t. I know it is. I know it will remain and we’ll look forward to the day when it’s not. The organization is fully behind him and very supportive and proud of what he did yesterday.

"Mark’s father used to say, 'What makes a man different is what makes him great.' And you heard coach Gruden echo those comments yesterday. That’s what our organization was built on and will continue to be." 

Also on Monday, Nassib announced he was donating $100,000 to The Trevor Project, an organization that works to prevent suicides among LGBTQ youths. The NFL has since confirmed it's matching that pledge.

Nassib has had the NFL's top-selling jersey across the Fanatics network since Monday afternoon.  

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Juan Soto's bat speed decline threatens Mets' $765 million investment
Steelers may have found another steal in UDFA pool as Pittsburgh lands an athletic freak
Collin Morikawa makes shocking change ahead of PGA Championship
Jets' Jordan Travis makes career-defining decision
Jerry Jones had harsh comment about Cowboys star CB
Astros pitcher who hasn't started since 2022 World Series set to return
Kelce brothers address Shedeur Sanders falling to fifth round of 2025 NFL Draft
NFL team executive expands on what Browns' Shedeur Sanders did wrong before draft
Insider names front-runner in Browns' QB competition after drafting Shedeur Sanders
Report: Eli Manning interested in Giants ownership stake
Mystics 2025 first-round pick's season in doubt after concerning injury
Marlins outfielder expected to miss remainder of 2025 season 
Tyrese Haliburton’s father addresses his incident with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Patriots' Austin Hooper explains what teammates can expect from HC Mike Vrabel
Falcons to pick up star WR's fifth-year option
Falcons react to NFL levying fine against team and defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich
Yankees offense goes nuclear in blowout win
Giannis Antetokounmpo rips Tyrese Haliburton's father for 'disrespectful' act
Celtics make unique NBA playoff history in Game 5 win
How Steelers reportedly expect Aaron Rodgers saga will end

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.