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defensive line Carl Nassib has revealed he is , becoming the first to do so while actively playing.

Nassib, who is entering his sixth NFL season and second with the Las Vegas Raiders, announced the news on Instagram, saying he was not doing it for the attention but because he felt representation and visibility were important.

"I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay," Nassib said in his video message from his home in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

"I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest.

"I really have the best life. I got the best family, friends and job a guy can ask for. I’m a pretty private person, so I hope you guys know that I’m really not doing this for attention. I just think that representation and visibility are so important."

Many on Twitter expressed support for Nassib.

US Senator from New Jersey Cory Booker : "Proud of Carl Nassib for courageously living his truth. Representation maters and this historic moment will help so many LGBTQ+ youth."

Some of those reacting to the news also seemed to be pleased about suggestions Nassib might be Arab American, given his surname.

Neda Ulaby, arts correspondent for USÌýNational Public RadioÌý(NPR)Ìý: "Is Carl Nassib Arab-American? If so, please consider me extra thrilled."

Another user named George Iskander : "I saw on Wikipedia that Carl Nassib might be Arab (but no source was cited). Can I just say major W to this guy??"

The letter "W" is often used on its own online to mean "win".

Nassib added in a written message following his video that he "agonized over this moment for the last 15 years" and only recently decided to go public with his sexuality after receiving the support of family and friends.

"I am also incredibly thankful for the NFL, my coaches, and fellow players for their support," Nassib wrote. "I would not have been able to do this without them. From the jump I was greeted with the utmost respect and acceptance."

Arab LGBTQ community dedicates Pride month to Sarah Hijazi, marking her first death anniversary

— °®Âþµº (@The_NewArab)

Nassib, whose announcement came during Pride Month, added that he was donating $100,000 to the Trevor Project, a non-profit that seeks to prevent suicides among LGBTQ youth.

For his part, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement: "The NFL family is proud of Carl for courageously sharing his truth today.

"Representation matters. We share his hope that someday soon statements like his will no longer be newsworthy as we march toward full equality for the LGBTQ+ community. We wish Carl the best of luck this coming season."