Khalen Saunders of the Saints starts an LGBTQ-inclusive youth football camp with the motto “Football Is for Everyone”

Khalen Saunders, a defensive tackle for the New Orleans Saints, is advocating for inclusivity in sports by starting a youth football camp that is open to LGBTQ athletes. During the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards on March 27, the Super Bowl champion made the announcement and went into further detail about the effort when appearing on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football.

According to Saunders, “being an ally is more than just saying I support; it’s also showing up.” “Anybody can play football.”

According to Saunders, 28, he wants to change the NFL’s continued dominance of men and heterosexuals. Saunders is collaborating with the NFL Pride Football Combine and GLAAD to make sure young LGBTQ players feel encouraged and acknowledged. Beginning on July 5, the camp is a component of his Original Element foundation.

According to Saunders, “these are people who feel like they have to be hidden.” Despite their fondness for the NFL and football in general, they may avoid it due to orientation or other external factors. Since football is for everyone, I want to share positive spirit.

Former Dallas Cowboys player R.K. Russell, who came out as bisexual in 2019, joined Saunders in making the news.