The National Football League (NFL) has reaffirmed its partnership with The Trevor Project, the foremost suicide prevention and mental health organization for LGBTQ youth, in honor of National Coming Out Day. The NFL will maintain its collaborative relationship with The Trevor Project, working together on programming, training, and further activations. This is part of the league’s continuous strive towards fostering a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization and world.
“Michael Mendillo (he/him), Director of Corporate Partnerships for The Trevor Project, expressed profound gratitude for the NFL’s generous and ongoing support of their work in aiding LGBTQ youth. He believes that together, they’re not only influencing the future of sports, but also paving the way for a more diverse, fair, and inclusive world. The NFL’s solid commitment to this partnership serves as a ray of hope for LGBTQ communities globally, reinforcing their worth, acceptance, and celebration of their identities,” he stated.
Jonathan Beane, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at the NFL, expressed his pride in their continuous collaboration with The Trevor Project. He acknowledged their combined efforts to promote inclusivity and strengthen their ties with the LGBTQ community. He also praised The Trevor Project’s remarkable work in supporting LGBTQ youth and mental health. Beane expressed anticipation for their enduring partnership with an organization that is making positive changes worldwide.
The NFL Foundation will continue its partnership by donating $100,000 to The Trevor Project. To enhance awareness and competency about LGBTQ youth and their mental health issues, the NFL staff will receive education sessions focused on LGBTQ topics from The Trevor Project’s subject matter experts. The staff will also have the chance to volunteer for The Trevor Project.
“I’ve been involved with the Trevor Project for years, and they’re one of the most well-run and thoughtful organizations,” said Carl Nassib, NFL Legend and founder of the Rayze App in a recent interview with Good Morning Football. “It makes me even happier to see the NFL build a legitimate partnership with them. … They’re continuing to engage in conversation and look out for at-risk LGBTQ youth. I’m here for it, I love it, and it makes me really happy. I’m really happy that the NFL is taking that step.”
Since 2020, the NFL has been a supporter of The Trevor Project, and from 2021 onwards, they have escalated their financial commitment by matching Nassib’s donation of $100,000. They have maintained this commitment annually since that time.
The NFL continuously supports The Trevor Project, among several methods it utilizes to back the LGBTQ communities. It frequently partners with organizations dedicated to serving the LGBTQ community, including GLAAD, Covenant House, Athlete Ally, the National Gay Flag Football League, and local organizations in each city where NFL tentpole events are hosted. In June 2023, the NFL teamed up with fashion designer Humberto Leon to develop the League’s inaugural Pride capsule merchandise collection. Additionally, the NFL is a principal sponsor of New York’s Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center.
