July 2, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Connecticut Native Kevin Maxen Becomes First Openly Gay Male NFL Coach

Southbury Star Player to NFL Groundbreaker, Maxen Inspires Inclusivity in the NFL

By Dolores Quintana

Kevin Maxen, associate strength coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars, came out on Thursday and is believed to be the first openly gay NFL coach, as reported by WFSB.com. Hailing from Southbury, Connecticut, and an alumnus of Pomperaug High School, Maxen’s journey from a star football player to an NFL coach is marked by determination and hard work.

Maxen said, as quoted by Outsports, “I don’t want to feel like I have to think about it anymore. I don’t want to feel like I have to lie about who I am seeing or why I am living with someone else. I want to be vocal in support of people living how they want to live, but I also want to just live and not feel fear about how people will react.”

As a former Pomperaug High School Panthers captain, Maxen’s leadership skills and talent on the field were evident from an early age, graduating with the Class of 2011. Not only was he known for his prowess in football, but he was also recognized as the “most artistic” by his senior class, demonstrating a multifaceted personality beyond the sports arena.

Maxen’s success also extended to the baseball field, where he played a pivotal role in helping the Panthers achieve an impressive 26-2 record during his senior year. His dedication to sports continued as he played college ball at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, honing his skills and preparing for the path that lay ahead.

According to ESPN, Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan said, “Kevin is a Jacksonville Jaguar through and through, and a key member of our football team and community. “I look forward to seeing Kevin next week at training camp and hope that he comes to work each day during camp and through the season feeling confident, free, and at peace.”

Maxen said on Friday that the support he received from both the NFL and the people around the country was “Out of this world.” as quoted by Outsports.

in NEWS
Related Posts

Top Military Commander Urges Return of Troops Deployed to ICE Protest Response

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

General Requests 200 National Guard Soldiers Be Returned to California Wildfire Unit The senior U.S. military officer overseeing federal forces...

(Video) Los Angeles County Supervisor from the 2nd district, Holly J. Mitchel, Gives a Powerful Speech

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Supervisor Mitchell Called on Residents to take action at the rally for Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano in Culver City.

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Parents Opposed to LGBTQ Books in Schools

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Decision Could Pave Way for More Opt-Out Challenges Across the Country The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Friday that a Maryland...

The Westside Lights Up for July 4: Fireworks, Drone Shows, and Parades Return Across West Los Angeles

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

From Marina Del Rey’s Fireworks to Culver City’s 1980s-Themed Drone Show, Get Ready to Celebrate From fireworks over Marina del...

Tens of Thousands Defy Ban at Budapest Pride as Hungary Cracks Down on LGBTQ+ Rights

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Marchers Risk Fines and Jail Under New Law Targeting LGBTQ+ Gatherings Tens of thousands marched through the streets of Budapest...

California Judge Rules FAIR Plan’s Smoke Damage Policy Unlawful

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Court Says Wildfire Insurance Program Illegally Denied Claims Legal protections for California homeowners took a step forward this week after...

(Video) Culver City Residents and City and County Leaders Rally for Disappeared Ice Cream Man Ambrocio “Enrique” Lozano

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

US Representative for California’s 37th Congressional District, Sydney Kamlager-Dove Speaks About What is happening to the disappeared.

Drake Slashes Price on Beverly Hills Estate to $79 Million Amid Market Slowdown

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

Price Cut Adds to a Broader Retreat From His Los Angeles Real Estate Holdings. Musician Drake has reduced the price...

Iranian Pastor in West L.A. Speaks as Church Rocked by Immigration Raids 

June 28, 2025

June 28, 2025

Five Detained as Fear Spreads Through Persian Christian Faith Community  Fear has spread through a West Los Angeles congregation after...

Cinespia Brings Fireworks and Fan Favorites to Hollywood Forever This July

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Watch Top Gun, La La Land, and More Under the Stars at Hollywood Forever Cinespia, Los Angeles’ iconic outdoor movie...

LGBTQ State Senator Scott Wiener Signals Bid to Succeed Pelosi in Congress

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Wiener Files Paperwork to Run for California’s 11th District in 2028 State Sen. Scott Wiener, a prominent Democrat representing San...

California Doubles Down on Hollywood: $750M in Tax Credits Approved for Film and TV Industry

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

State Lawmakers Back Major Expansion of Production Incentives, Raising Job Projections Los Angeles’ film and television industry is poised to...

Corporate Pride Pullback: Major Brands Scale Down LGBTQ+ Support Under Trump’s Second Term

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Mastercard, Target, and Others Retreat From High-Profile Campaigns as Federal Policy Shifts Shifts in federal policy under President Donald Trump’s...

Community Seeks Answers After SF Drag Performer Detained by ICE

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Hilary Rivers Vanished After a Scheduled Immigration Appointment Members of San Francisco’s queer and trans communities gathered outside the local...

EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles Returns with Star Chefs, Firefighter Tribute, and Wildfire Relief Efforts

June 27, 2025

June 27, 2025

Culinary Festival Features Exclusive Restaurant Collabs, Support for Small Businesses  EEEEEATSCON Los Angeles, the celebrated food festival curated by The...