For LGBTQ+ History Month, Rainbow Devils proudly celebrates Robbie Rogers, a pioneer whose courage helped change men’s football.
Rogers began his professional career with Columbus Crew, lifting the MLS Cup in 2008. He later played in England for Leeds United before returning to the United States to join LA Galaxy, where he won another MLS Cup in 2014 and successfully transitioned from winger to left-back.
In February 2013, at just 25, Rogers publicly came out as gay, stepping away from the game and speaking openly about the pressure of hiding his sexuality in men’s football. Months later, he returned to the professional game, debuting for LA Galaxy and becoming the first openly gay male athlete to compete in MLS and one of the first in a top-tier North American professional league.
On the international stage, Rogers earned over a dozen caps for the United States and was part of the squad that won the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
His decision to live authentically and to come back stronger remains a powerful moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in sport.