Overview

• The NFL’s 30-second Pride Month video showcased statements such as “football is gay,” “football is queer,” and “football is transgender.”
• On June 2, former Cowboys star Dez Bryant posted on X that those slogans are “wild statements” and vowed to tell his sons that football fits none of those labels.
• Bryant emphasized he supports gay players but argued that overt messaging could feel forced and send the wrong message to young fans.
• His remarks have ignited a heated social media debate over the appropriateness of sports leagues promoting LGBTQ+ identities.
• Observers note the league’s original “football is gay” post from 2021 drew heavy criticism and has not been repeated since.