Former NFL players to join Chicago Pride Parade

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Chicago • The NFL Players Association Former Players Chapter of Chicago says it will join former player Wade Davis in marching in Chicago's Gay Pride Parade on Sunday.

Davis played for the Tennessee Titans, Washington Redskins and Seattle Seahawks. Since his playing days, Davis speaks and writes about his life as a closeted gay professional athlete.

Marques Sullivan is president of NFL Players Association Former Players Chapter of Chicago. He says sports help instill character traits such as self-respect, discipline, accountability, and responsibility in people, especially at an early age.

Sullivan said Tuesday in a statement that participation in sports shouldn't be denied to anyone, "no matter the individual's sexual preference, race or gender."