In an article in Outsports for SBNation.com, former Patriots offensive lineman Ryan O'Callaghan came out as a gay athlete who strongly considered suicide once he retired from the league.
O'Callaghan told Outsports, "If you’re a gay kid and you hear someone you love say 'fag,' it makes you think that in their eyes you’re just a fag too. That got to me a lot."
Drafted by the Patriots in 2006 out of the University of California, O'Callaghan played two years at right tackle, appearing in 26 games and collecting seven starts along the way.
He finished his career after two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.