KU News Release

Former NFL player to speak at KU about hiding his sexuality

Esera Tuaolo

LAWRENCE — Esera Tuaolo spent 10 years living his dream as a professional football player; he even went to Super Bowl XXXIII with the Atlanta Falcons. But Tuaolo had a secret — he was homosexual.

Tuaolo will visit the University of Kansas to share his story. The event begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Woodruff Auditorium in the Kansas Union. Student Union Activities, the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual Transsexual Resources and Coca-Cola are hosting the event. Tickets are available in the Union Programs box office, Level 4 in the Kansas Union, and are free with a student ID or $5 for the public.

Tuaolo’s suppression of his sexual orientation led to a drinking problem and thoughts of suicide. On the field, Tuaolo held back his full potential, believing he would be exposed as a homosexual if he became too well-known. Tuaolo played for five teams before leaving the NFL in 2000.

For more information, call (785) 864-SHOW or visit the SUA Web site. For more information regarding other SUA events, e-mail Adam Collins, director of public relations.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.