Kevin Maxen is 1st Out Gay Male NFL Coach
July 22, 2023 – Athlete Ally celebrated the news that Jacksonville Jaguars Associate Strength Coach Kevin Maxen has come out as gay, making him the first publicly out male coach in the NFL or in any major American men’s pro sports league.
“It wasn’t until recently – and with the immense love and support of my family, my friends, colleagues, and peers, and the courage and sacrifice from my partner – that I realized I have the right and responsibility to love and be loved, and that maybe sharing this will hopefully give someone else the strength to accept their own life and take control of their own story,” Maxen told Outsports.
Athlete Ally sends tremendous love and support to Maxen, who has undoubtedly paved the way for athletes and coaches in the NFL and all men’s sports to be who they are while participating in the sport they love. Coming out is a deeply personal and private decision, one that should be entirely up to the individual doing so. The support that Maxen has seen has made a tremendous difference for him. It is our hope that through education on LGBTQI+ issues and experiences, and thanks to courageous people like Maxen, the sports world will move closer towards the vision we hold for it: a space that is truly for all.