Kevin Maxen, an associate strength coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars of the NFL, is coming out publicly in the hopes of inspiring others to do the same. In an exclusive interview with Outsports, Maxen stated, “I don’t want to feel like I have to think about it anymore.” “I don’t want to feel as though I have to hide who I am seeing or the reason I am sharing a home with someone else.
I want to speak out in favour of people leading the lives they choose to lead, but I also want to live without worrying about what other people will think.
Maxen is thought to be the first openly gay man coach in a major professional male sport in the United States.
He admitted to Outsports that while his road had been a lengthy one, his personal network had grown in the previous year to support him in coming out.
“I didn’t realise I have the right and responsibility to love and be loved until recently, and with the immense love and support of my family, friends, colleagues, and peers, as well as the courage and sacrifice from my partner, I hope that sharing this will hopefully give someone else the strength to accept their own life and take control of their own story.”
Nick, Maxen’s lover, is his partner. Over two years have passed since they started dating. Maxen worked as a strength coach for the football teams at Baylor and Vanderbilt before joining the Jaguars. Additionally, he has held strength coaching internships at the Army and the University of Iowa.
He collaborates with the offensive and defensive linemen of the Jaguars to create their comprehensive exercise schedule. To do so, they must arrange their workouts, weights, and rest periods. Along with the team, he also travels to games.
Prior to Maxen, a few female assistant coaches in the NFL, most notably former San Francisco 49ers assistant coach Katie Sowers, came out publicly. In the WNBA, Curt Miller is an openly gay male coach.
Maxen is the first openly out male coach in a significant American men’s professional sports league, as far as Outsports is aware.
Prior to becoming a coach, Maxen excelled as a linebacker for Western Connecticut State University, a Division III club competing in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference. His senior year, he was named to the conference’s first-team defence. During his three seasons with the squad, he participated in all 30 games, twice leading the team in tackles, and finished his playing career with a total of 171 tackles.
Even in college, where he also served as the team captain for three seasons, he admitted to Outsports that he had doubts about his sexual orientation.