Coinciding with LGBT pride month celebrations across the world, Minnesota United’s Collin Martin made a big announcement that could have positive ramifications across all sports.
In a message posted across his social media platforms, the 23-year-old publicly came out as gay, becoming just the second player in MLS history to do so, following former U.S. Men’s National Team winger Robbie Rogers. Since Rogers retired after last season, Martin is the only publicly gay player in the league.
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The announcement comes ahead of Minnesota United celebrating “pride night” in its home match on Friday against FC Dallas.
Tonight my team, @MNUFC , is having their Pride night. It's an important night for me — I'll be announcing that I am an openly gay player in Major League Soccer. #soccerforall pic.twitter.com/cOJQXfrBiv
— Collin Martin (@martcw12) June 29, 2018
Since the announcement, Martin has received nothing but praise and support online from fans and teammates alike.
#SoccerForAll pic.twitter.com/78BMidQ4nt
— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) June 29, 2018
Sending you love and support from D.C., Collin! Have fun tonight!
— D.C. United (@dcunited) June 29, 2018
You the man Col! Proud to call you a teammate and friend! Now Let’s go get this W!
— Christian Ramirez (@Chris_Ramirez17) June 29, 2018
This is so great, Collin. You've got me crying at my desk before noon - actually that's pretty normal, though. Sending you love & support from DC!
— Pablo Iglesias Maurer (@MLSist) June 29, 2018
One love brotha! So happy for you, keep killing it!
— Travis Worra (@TravWorra1) June 29, 2018
Awesome. All the best man!
— Sacha Kljestan (@SachaKljestan) June 29, 2018
Much respect man!!!
— AJ DeLaGarza (@AJD_20) June 29, 2018
— Dave Clark (@bedirthan) June 29, 2018
Love you brother. Proud as hell of you and incredibly happy you're on our team.
— Two United Fans✌️🗣 (@TwoUnitedFans) June 29, 2018