New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders is making waves off the field. The two-time Super Bowl champion announced he is launching a football camp this summer that specifically welcomes LGBTQ youth — a first-of-its-kind initiative for an active NFL player.
Saunders made the announcement during the 2025 GLAAD Media Awards, where he was honored for his advocacy and allyship. His message was simple but impactful: “Being an ally is more than just saying I support, but it’s also showing up.”
The announcement was followed by an appearance on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, where Saunders expanded on his motivation.
“Being in the NFL is very male-dominant and heterosexual-dominant,” he said. “It feels as though there’s not really a space for the LGBTQ community. So I wanted to create that space — a place where everyone feels safe, welcomed, and seen.”
With the rise of inclusive conversations around gender and sexuality in sports, Saunders is among the few active players who are boldly and unapologetically using their platform to advocate for marginalized communities.
His camp, which is set to launch this summer, will focus on football fundamentals, team-building, and fostering an inclusive environment that encourages confidence and community for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Saunders’ leadership is a breath of fresh air in a sport still reckoning with its culture around masculinity and inclusion. His efforts not only open the door for LGBTQ youth to see themselves reflected in the sport, but they also challenge long-standing norms in the NFL.
In a time when many athletes are hesitant to take a public stance, Khalen Saunders is stepping up and out — creating change, one yard at a time.
Photo Credit: Instagram – khalennotkaylen
