Dez Bryant Blasts NFL For “Wild” Pride Month Messaging On Social Media

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant is pushing back against the NFL’s recent show of support for the LGBTQ+ community, saying the league’s messaging has gone too far.

The controversy stems from a Pride Month post made on the NFL’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, which included a series of statements affirming the sport’s inclusivity.

“Football is gay,” “football is lesbian,” “football is beautiful,” “football is queer,” “football is exciting,” “football is transgender,” “football is bisexual,” “football is power,” “football is American,” “football is accepting,” and “football is everything,” the message read.

Bryant, who played eight seasons with the Cowboys and has remained vocal on social and cultural issues, responded with his own post expressing discomfort with the language used.

“Football is gay. Football is queer. Football is transgender… these are wild statements to make… excuse my silliness,” Bryant wrote, questioning the NFL’s decision to associate the sport so directly with sexual and gender identities.

He clarified that his stance is not rooted in hatred or intolerance toward the LGBTQ+ community but rather concern over messaging.

“I’m going to proudly tell my boys football is none of these things. I have nothing against Gays but this is far from right,” he continued. Bryant also pointed to what he sees as an overreach, particularly when considering younger audiences.

“It’s gay players in the NFL… but forcing it in people’s faces… especially children… can send the wrong message… Football is a real community, like the gay community. Imagine telling gays they have to advocate for straight people… they probably would have a problem.”

The NFL has become increasingly vocal in its support of LGBTQ+ rights in recent years. Earlier this year, the league partnered with GLAAD to host A Night of Pride with GLAAD and NFL during the lead-up to Super Bowl LIX.

Teams across the league have also marked Pride Month with themed social media content, uniforms, and community outreach initiatives.

Bryant’s comments have sparked debate online, highlighting the continuing tension between inclusivity campaigns in major sports and the personal beliefs of current and former players.

While some have praised the NFL’s messaging as progressive and necessary, others—like Bryant—believe such expressions risk alienating those who see football as a cultural space that should remain apolitical or neutral on social identity issues.

See Dez Bryant’s X post below.