Former NFL star Dez Bryant is drawing backlash after criticizing the league's recent show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The NFL shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) as part of its Pride Month campaign, featuring a series of inclusive affirmations such as: “Football is gay,” “football is lesbian,” “football is beautiful,” “football is queer,” “football is exciting,” “football is transgender,” “football is bisexual,” “football is power,” “football is American,” “football is accepting,” and “football is everything.”
Bryant responded in a now-deleted post, calling the campaign's language "wild" and expressing discomfort with the messaging. "Football is gay. Football is queer. Football is transgender… these are wild statements to make… excuse my silliness," he wrote. "I’m going to proudly tell my boys football is none of these things. I have nothing against gays but this is far from right."
The former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver expanded on his comments, suggesting the league was forcing an agenda. “It’s gay players in the NFL… but forcing it in people’s faces… especially children… can send the wrong message," he said. "Football is a real community, like the gay community. Imagine telling gays they have to advocate for straight people… they probably would have a problem."
Bryant’s remarks have sparked debate online, with many social media users calling out the tone of his comments, while others voiced agreement with his stance.
Source: Instagram
