The NFL’s first ever Pride collection is here, queer, and super sexy
Available on NFLshop.com, the league partnered with LGBTQ+ designer Humberto Leon to create its first ever Pride collection. “Football is an integral part of the American landscape, and the NFL has shown the ability to bring people together to root, cheer, and celebrate together,” said Leon, via Adage. “While growing up in Los Angeles as a Raiders fan, I loved being able to showcase my hometown pride.”A post shared by Humberto Leon (@humberto)While some teams have previously created their own Pride lines–the San Francisco 49ers came out with a gender-neutral collection in 2021–it’s a huge statement for the NFL to sell one league-wide.
Multiple brands, including Bud Light and Target, have come under fire for LGBTQ+ inclusive marketing in recent months. By embracing Pride, the NFL is showing it is unafraid of bigoted backlash.“Working with the NFL on their first capsule collection tied to the celebration of LGBTQ pride was a full-circle moment in my career, and I am eager to share a collection that embodies football, love and inclusivity,” said Leon.The NFL has amped up its support for LGBTQ+ causes in recent years, partnering with organizations such as The Trevor Project and GLAAD.
When Carl Nassib publicly came out as gay–becoming the first active player to ever do so–the NFL matched his $100,000 donation to The Trevor Project.
The league also donated $100,000 to The Trevor Project last year on National Coming Out Day.Since 2017, the NFL also sponsors the National Gay Flag Football League’s annual championship tournament, the aptly titled “Gay Bowl.” The New England Patriots sponsored the event when it was held in Boston six years ago, and every team in the tournament’s host city has followed suit.
