Carl Nassib, the NFL's first openly homosexual active player, announced his retirement on Wednesday.
Nassib made his announcement on Instagram, where he reflected on his football journey.
He stated that he will concentrate his attention to Rayze, an app that connects people to NGOs that are relevant to their interests based on where they live.
"This is a bittersweet moment for me, but after seven seasons and just over 100 NFL games, I am officially retiring from football to focus on my company Rayze," Nassib said.
"It seems like only yesterday that I was a walk-on at Penn State." Football has given me more than I could have hoped for.
I can now hang up my helmet knowing I gave it everything I had."Nassib went on to express gratitude to "God, my family, and my friends for always being there for me, even when I didn't realize it."
He also praised his agent, Brian Ayrault, saying, "He was the first person in the football industry I came out to, and he didn't blink."
"He encouraged and motivated me to follow through on my announcement and make the greatest possible impact."