New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders is taking a stand for inclusion in sports by launching a youth football camp designed to welcome LGBTQ participants. The Super Bowl champion announced the initiative during the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards on March 27 and elaborated on it during an appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football.
“Being an ally is more than just saying I support, but it’s also showing up,” Saunders said. “Football is for all.”
Saunders, 28, said the NFL remains a predominantly male and heterosexual space, and he wants to change that. Partnering with GLAAD and the NFL Pride Football Combine, Saunders is working to ensure young LGBTQ athletes feel seen and supported. The camp is part of his Original Element foundation and kicks off July 5.
“These are people who feel like they have to be hidden,” Saunders said. “They might love the NFL and football in general, but shy away from it because of orientation or other outside things. My goal is to spread positive energy—because football is for everybody.”
Saunders was joined in the announcement by former Dallas Cowboys player R.K. Russell, who came out as bisexual in 2019.
