In the world of sports, personal stories often inspire people just as much as athletic achievements do, the first openly gay player in the NFL, Carl Nassib, has captured a lot of hearts with his journey.
Carl Nassib made history in June 2021 by coming out as a gay man while playing in the NFL for teams like the Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His relationship with Danish Olympic swimmer Søren Dahl became public in September 2022.
Recent news indicates that their relationship has ended, and both are moving on with their lives.
Carl Nassib made history on June 21, 2021, when he shared a heartfelt video on Instagram, coming out as gay during Pride Month.
As an active NFL player, his announcement was a bold step, breaking barriers in a sport often seen as hyper-masculine.
Nassib, who played for the Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, didn’t just stop at sharing his truth.
He pledged $100,000 to The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth, showing his commitment to making a difference.
His Las Vegas Raiders jersey, a symbol of his courage, now holds a place at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History following his retirement from the NFL in 2023.
The Love Story Of Carl Nassib And Søren Dahl
In September 2022, Nassib introduced the world to his partner, Søren Dahl, a Danish Olympian known for competing in the men’s 4×200-meter freestyle relay at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The couple went public with their relationship through a sweet Instagram post, featuring a cozy selfie taken on a beach.
The image captured their joy, with the ocean breeze and warm sunlight framing their smiles.
Fans of both athletes were thrilled to see two openly gay sports figures finding love and supporting each other.
While it’s unclear exactly how Carl and Søren met, their shared experiences as elite athletes likely brought them together.
Søren, who had been out as gay before meeting Carl, was no stranger to the spotlight.
@kingkoper0 SSummer Vybes 2022
♬ Shooting Stars – Bag Raiders
His TikTok posts from August 2022 showed him living vibrantly, dancing at clubs, celebrating at Pride events, and sharing moments with friends, including clips with Carl that melted hearts online.
Their relationship seemed like a perfect match, blending their athletic worlds with a shared commitment to authenticity.
By January 2024, fans began to notice subtle changes.
Carl and Søren stopped appearing together on social media, and their once-frequent posts as a couple declined.
Neither confirmed a breakup publicly, but the absence of joint appearances led many to speculate that their romance had come to an end.
The couple, who had been so open about their love, seemed to have quietly parted ways, choosing to focus on their individual paths.
It seems more like a fond memory of their time together, as they’ve both moved on in life.
Soren Dahl Has Found Love With Andres Herrera
In early 2025, Søren posted a heartwarming Instagram Story featuring two photos of Andres, one taking a selfie and another of Søren hugging Andres from behind, both beaming with happiness.
Andres’ own posts suggest their relationship began around late 2024, marking a fresh start for the Olympic swimmer.
The images show Søren full of joy as he embraces this new chapter in his life.
He approaches it with the same openness that he showed in his relationship with Carl.
Meanwhile, Carl Nassib appears to be succeeding as a single man, pouring his energy into meaningful work.
Since retiring from the NFL in 2023, he has been actively involved with the league on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
His efforts aim to make sports a more inclusive and welcoming space for everyone, regardless of their identity.
Beyond the NFL, Carl is deeply engaged in philanthropy, continuing his support for causes like The Trevor Project.
His work shows a commitment to using his platform for positive change, inspiring countless fans along the way.
On social media, Carl shares glimpses of his life post-NFL, whether it’s traveling, spending time with friends, or advocating for inclusivity.
While he hasn’t publicly addressed his relationship status, his posts suggest he’s embracing this season of independence with optimism and purpose.
Although brief, it highlighted their roles as trailblazers in sports. As Søren moves on with Andres and Carl continues his impactful work, both inspire others to live authentically.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Nassib’s father, Gilbert Nassib, played college football at the University of Delaware.
- In 2018, Dahl was named a recipient of the Atlantic Coast Conference Postgraduate Scholarship.
