It’s been two seasons since former NFL defensive player Ryan Russell played on the field, but before he looks to return, the free agent decided to share his truth.
“My truth is that I’m a talented football player, a damn good writer, a loving son, an overbearing brother, a caring friend, a loyal lover and a bisexual man,” Russell wrote in an as-told-to article for ESPN.
According to the 27-year-old professional football player, his decision to come out was rooted in wanting to bring his full self to the sport he loves.
“Out of love, admiration and respect, I want the next team to sign me valuing me for what I do and knowing who I truly am,” Russell said.
Russell, who has played for the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was drafted out of Purdue University in 2015 and was cut after one season with the Cowboys, USA Today reported.
He played for the Buccaneers for two seasons and was picked up by the Buffalo Bills. But, he was subsequently released following a 2017 offseason shoulder injury, sitting out the entire 2018 season.
In his own words on ESPN, Russell said he has two goals, “returning to the NFL and living my life openly.”
He also noted that as a bisexual athlete, his two objectives shouldn’t be isolated.
“But judging from the fact that there isn't a single openly LGBTQ player in the NFL, NBA, Major League Baseball or the NHL, brings me pause. I want to change that — for me, for other athletes who share these common goals, and for the generations of LGBTQ athletes who will come next,” Russell said.
In 2018, Russell went into a depressive state after losing his close friend and former Purdue football teammate, Joe Gilliam, to cancer.
Moving to California, the former NFL player began writing as a way to heal and grieve. According to Outsports, Russell said he felt more accepted to express his sexuality freely. However, in his ESPN letter, Russell revealed that a blogger once threatened to out him after spotting him with a man he previously dated.
Struggling to grapple between his career and his true identity, Russell said he had to be “strategic and cautious about meeting guys.”
“It also meant that even though I was building important friendships on my team, I couldn't be authentic or honest about who I am or what was going on in my life,” Russell added.
According to USA Today, Russell said he met with coaches and executives of an NFL team in early August but no signing occurred. He said he will continue training with the hopes of being signed later on.
“Whatever I was to you before this letter, I'm still that now. We just know each other a little better.”
