The Trevor Project Gets a 350% Rush in Traffic Thanks to Carl Nassib

We get it: football players are hot. Exhibit Gay…

And while we hit the collective showers to cool off after that end-zone display, let’s refocus our attention. All eyes are on Carl Nassib in the wake of his historic declaration; Nassib became the first active player in the NFL to come out of the closet and into our loving arms.

But beyond the infatuation we feel for this gridiron god, he has achieved much more than awareness; he helped drive dollars and sense to one of the best LGBTQ+ organizations in the world, The Trevor Project.

Nassib donated $100,000 to the group, a sum that was matched by the NFL mere hours after the player’s big announcement.

But as hefty as those gestures might seem, it was the residual effect that matters most. The Trevor Project experienced a 350% uptick in website traffic, according to a statement that the charity’s spokesman made to MarketWatch.

So, what’s the significance of these numbers? Well, considering the ambitious and altruistic goals of The Trevor Project, the surge is a matter of life and death.

350% more website visitors means 350% more chances to get involved, get answers, and get help. The Trevor Project provides round-the-clock assistance for queer and questioning individuals, a faction especially vulnerable to bullying, violence and suicidal thoughts.

According to the nonprofit’s own research, an estimated 1.8 million Americans between the ages of 13 and 24 contemplate ending their lives in a given year. The reason is due to the mistreatment they receive primarily due to their sexual orientation.

Carl Nassib has risen above the hate and divisiveness of our current climate to affirm his commitment to saving the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. A sports star of his stature has a platform that can reach millions of hearts, minds and pockets.

We hesitate to diminish Nassib’s truth by assigning it a dollar amount, but The Trevor Project needs every donation possible in order to continue its heroic work. In response to the Raider’s monetary gift, Amit Paley, the Executive Director and CEO of The Trevor Project, commented, “This generous donation will help us scale our life-saving crisis services… Coming out is an intensely personal decision, and it can be an incredibly scary and difficult one to make. We hope that Carl’s historic representation in the NFL will inspire young LGBTQ athletes across the country to live their truth and pursue their dreams. At a time when state lawmakers are actively trying to restrict transgender and nonbinary youth’s participation in school sports, this news should serve as a clarion call for greater LGBTQ inclusion in the locker room and on the field.”

Game on.