Former WWE Star Fred Rosser Celebrates 8 Years of Sobriety

Fred Rosser, recognized by many as Darren Young from his days in World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), recently celebrated eight years of sobriety—a milestone he shared with fans and followers, further cementing his status as a resilient figure within both the professional wrestling world and the LGBTQ+ community. Rosser’s public acknowledgment of his journey with sobriety adds another layer of visibility to his life as an openly gay athlete and advocate, underscoring the importance of mental health and recovery in the face of personal and societal challenges .

Born Frederick Douglas Rosser III in Union, New Jersey, Rosser began his professional wrestling career in 2002, competing under various ring names across several independent promotions before signing with WWE in 2009 . He rose to prominence as Darren Young, notably forming one half of the tag team “The Prime Time Players” alongside Titus O’Neil, with whom he captured the WWE Tag Team Championship in 2012 .

In August 2013, Rosser made wrestling history by coming out as gay while still an active WWE performer, becoming the first male WWE superstar to do so . His announcement, made candidly in an airport interview with TMZ, was met with support from WWE management and fellow wrestlers, sparking conversations about inclusion and representation in the world of professional sports .

Reflecting on that pivotal moment, Rosser has often spoken of the positive impact coming out had on his life and the message it sent to LGBTQ+ youth who look for role models in sports and entertainment . “I’m a WWE superstar, and to be honest with you, I’ll tell you right now, I’m gay. And I’m happy. I’m very happy,” Rosser declared, emphasizing the possibility of success in professional wrestling for LGBTQ+ individuals .

Since his departure from WWE in 2017, Rosser has continued to compete in the global wrestling circuit, including a prominent role in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he remains an active wrestler and trainer . Outside the ring, he has become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health, participating in campaigns with organizations such as GLAAD, NOH8, and Athlete Ally . Rosser has also served as a motivational speaker for WWE’s anti-bullying initiative, Be a STAR, addressing the harmful effects of bullying and the importance of acceptance in schools nationwide .

Rosser’s candidness about his sexuality and his experiences with sobriety have made him a role model for many, as he frequently shares his journey on social media and in interviews. His participation in major Pride events in cities like New York and Los Angeles has furthered his commitment to visibility and outreach within the LGBTQ+ community .

Fred Rosser’s accomplishments extend beyond his athletic achievements. By choosing to live openly and speak publicly about his challenges—including his eight-year sobriety milestone—Rosser challenges traditional notions of masculinity and invulnerability often associated with professional wrestling and other sports . His advocacy underscores the need for inclusive environments in sports and entertainment, where LGBTQ+ individuals can thrive without fear of discrimination.

For LGBTQ+ athletes and fans, Rosser’s story is a testament to the power of authenticity and perseverance. It is a reminder that representation matters, and that sharing personal struggles—such as addiction and recovery—can inspire others to seek help and embrace their identities .

Fred Rosser’s eight years of sobriety symbolize not just personal triumph, but also a broader movement towards inclusion, mental health awareness, and LGBTQ+ empowerment in sports. As he continues to share his story and advocate for others, Rosser stands as an example of how vulnerability and courage can transform lives—both inside and outside the wrestling ring .