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Colton Underwood On Masculinity, Fatherhood, And The NFL : The Limits with Jay Williams As a former NFL player and star of the Bachelor, Colton Underwood has embodied the highest ideals of masculinity. He worked hard to fit the mold of what everyone expected him to be. Until it almost killed him. When he finally accepted his sexuality and came out in 2021, the impact felt seismic.This week, Colton talks about navigating his football career as a closeted gay man—what it was like to experience locker rooms, and the homophobia that came with them. And why the sports culture makes it so difficult for closeted men to live their lives openly.For sponsor-free episodes, weekly bonus content, and more, subscribe to The Limits Plus at plus.npr.org/thelimits. On this week's Plus episode, Colton shares his thoughts on raising kids as a gay man.Follow Jay on Instagram and Twitter. Email us at [email protected].

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Colton Underwood On Defining Masculinity On His Own Terms April 26, 20228:49 AM ET

By

Jay Williams

,

Mano Sundaresan

,

Barton Girdwood

Colton Underwood On Defining Masculinity On His Own Terms

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Colton Underwood. Photo illustration by Estefania Mitre/NPR hide caption

toggle caption Photo illustration by Estefania Mitre/NPR

Colton Underwood.

Photo illustration by Estefania Mitre/NPR

As a former NFL player and star of the Bachelor, Colton Underwood has embodied the highest ideals of masculinity. He worked hard to fit the mold of what everyone expected him to be. Until it almost killed him. When he finally accepted his sexuality and came out in 2021, the impact felt seismic.This week, Colton talks about navigating his football career as a closeted gay man—what it was like to experience locker rooms, and the homophobia that came with them. And why sports culture makes it so difficult for closeted men to live their lives openly.For sponsor-free episodes, weekly bonus content, and more, subscribe to The Limits Plus at plus.npr.org/thelimits. On this week's Plus episode, Colton shares his thoughts on raising kids as a gay man.

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Follow Jay on Instagram and Twitter. Email us at [email protected].

The Limits is produced by Karen Kinney, Mano Sundaresan, Leena Sanzgiri, Barton Girdwood, and Yolanda Sangweni. Music by Ramtin Arablouei. Our executive producer is Anya Grundmann. Special thanks to Charla Riggi.

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