In a historic moment for the National Football League (NFL), Kevin Maxen, the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, has courageously come out as gay, making him the first male coach in major American men’s professional sports to publicly identify as LGBTQ. In an exclusive interview with Outsports, Maxen opened up about his journey to self-acceptance, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the reasons behind his decision to share his truth.
Maxen candidly expressed the weight he had carried, feeling the need to conceal his true self from his colleagues and the public. “I don’t want to feel like I have to lie about who I am seeing, or why I am living with someone else,” Maxen stated firmly. His relationship with his boyfriend, Nick, played a significant role in this courageous step, as he desired to introduce Nick to his colleagues with the same openness that other coaches share about their significant others.
“For a while, I had such anger and hatred for myself because I thought I had to live by other people’s rules and not by my own,” Maxen revealed. His journey of self-discovery led him to the realization that living authentically was essential for his own well-being and happiness, ultimately enabling him to embrace his identity and be proud of who he is.
While several female assistant NFL coaches have come out publicly before Maxen, his decision to do so as a male coach is a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ representation in the NFL and professional sports. Maxen’s courage and willingness to be vocal in support of living authentically serve as an inspiration for many others in similar situations, sending a powerful message of inclusivity and acceptance.
The support Maxen has received from the Jacksonville Jaguars organization, including team owner Shad Khan, is a testament to the progress being made in creating an inclusive environment within the sports community. Khan expressed his unwavering support, stating, “Kevin is a Jacksonville Jaguar through and through, and a key member of our football team and community. I know our players and staff feel the same.”
As Kevin Maxen looks forward to the upcoming training camp and the season ahead, his story shines a light on the importance of creating spaces where individuals can be their authentic selves, free from fear and judgment. By breaking barriers in the NFL, Maxen’s bravery fosters a more inclusive and accepting future for professional sports, where athletes and coaches can thrive regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.