Kevin Maxen, the assistant strength and conditioning trainer for the Jacksonville Jaguars, came out as gay publicly on Thursday. He is the first openly gay coach in professional men’s sports in America and the NFL.
Maxen chose to come out now for a number of reasons, including the ability to live an open and honest life with Nick, whom he has dated for two years.
Maxen, who was hired by the Jaguars last season as a staff member, told Outsports, “I don’t feel like I need to think about it anymore.” “I don’t want to have to lie to anyone about who I’m seeing or why I live with someone else.”
“I just want to enjoy life and not worry about what people think.”
Maxen said that his family, friends, and colleagues showed their support. This allowed him to take the decision to come forward publicly.
Maxen said, “It was only recently, with the love and support from my family, friends, colleagues, and peers and the courage and sacrifice of my partner, that I realized that I had the right and the responsibility to love and to be loved. I hope that sharing this story will give someone else the strength to accept and take control of their life.”
Maxen expressed his “hope” that his Jaguars teammates will accept his truth.
He said, “I have a good sense of humor.” “I can joke around with a lot of guys and not take things personally.”
Marcus Pollard told Outsports that “in an environment where there is diversity, it’s a privilege to be able to work with Kevin, who is dedicated, hardworking and thriving in his role as strength and conditioning coach of the Jaguars.”
Former Jaguars center Brandon Linder said Maxen is someone he has always been able to lean on.
Linder stated that “Kevin played a major role in my preparation every Sunday in my last season in the NFL”. “He wrote, “Workouts with exercises to help me overcome my weaknesses, which helped me become the best version of myself in that field.” “We grew closer as we spent more time working together, we also shared many similarities in our lives and views.”
“I am proud to call you my friend, and I can’t wait to see what your future holds, Kev. Your story will help many people.” “You the man, all shall be well.”
Maxen was hired as a strength coach in Jacksonville, after working with the Baylor Bears and Vanderbilt Commodores football teams.
Maxen began working with linemen on both offense and defense when he joined the Jaguars. Maxen developed the workout program for each player while tracking their progress.
Carl Nassib, a defensive lineman for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, became the first openly gay player in the NFL when he announced his sexual orientation while playing with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021.
Katie Sowers, assistant coach for the San Francisco 49ers and an openly gay woman, was the first female coach to be involved in a Super Bowl.
