Several NFL players have put their names on a new line of apparel sold by the NFL Players Association in recognition of LGBT Pride Month.
Some of the players, including Chris Kluwe and Brendon Ayanbadejo, have long voiced their support for gay rights. Others, including Steve Gleason and Terrell Suggs, are well known to football fans but hadn’t previously been vocal in their support of LGBT issues.
Gleason, the former Saints special teams standout who has made his struggle with ALS public, said in a statement released by the NFLPA that he also wants to speak out for equality.
“It’s pretty simple for me, I believe all people are created equal, regardless of their sexuality. To promote respect and acceptance is an important role for NFL players and the NFLPA,” Gleason said.
Other players who have lent their names and numbers to LGBT Pride shirts include Connor Barwin, Domonique Foxworth, Scott Fujita, Chris Gocong, Donté Stallworth and Eric Winston.