Former Dallas Cowboys fifth-round pick and defensive lineman Ryan Russell released an exclusive interview with ESPN Thursday and revealed he is bisexual. He spoke candidly with ESPN’s Kevin Arnovitz and poured his thoughts on battling depression, his injury, and thoughts on being a part of the LGBTQ community in the NFL:
During the season you spend more time with your team than with your own family; truth and honesty are the cornerstones of a winning culture. 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.
He also spoke about a return to the game he loves.
Today, I have two goals: returning to the NFL, and living my life openly. I want to live my dream of playing the game I’ve worked my whole life to play, and being open about the person I’ve always been.
-Russell speaks on returning to the NFL
He also spoke about how difficult it was to come out with his true sexuality, and his fear of possibly losing his NFL career if he was outed. He had previously asked a blogger to not disclose his whereabouts with a former lover, fearful that it would ruin his chances in the NFL.
His personal fears are not far-fetched. Even with the previous revelations of former professional gay athletes such as former NBA center Jason Collins and former NFL defensive end Michael Sam, not many athletes have the power to speak to the media about their true sexuality. In turn, many suffer from depression, fear, and other mental health issues that are associated with being fearful of living in their true identity.
Hopefully, with programs like the You Can Play Project, an organization dedicated to promoting respect for LGBTQ athletes, athletes will be more comfortable with being more outspoken about their sexuality. As of right now, they are far and few in between.
This story is another leap in the right direction. Russell’s announcement shows courage, bravery, and is another milestone with normalizing the LGBTQ community in sports. The thoughts he shared were very vulnerable, well-spoken, and thought-provoking.
It made me think back and realize that sometimes, despite the fact that the exterior of being a professional athlete might seem glamorous, people are fighting deep battles within themselves. It is important that his bravery is celebrated and supported to encourage others to come out and do the same.
