NFL Defensive End Ryan Russell Opens up on Being Bisexual

NFL defensive end and former Dallas Cowboys player Ryan Russell reveals himself as bisexual, after three years of participation in the league.

Russell told the story about his own self to Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN. He told that he had been to many interviews where he was well recognized as a talented footballer, but he felt that the time has come for people to acknowledge his true self.

“But for all the encouraging feelings about the visit, I do have one strong regret that has inspired me to make a promise to myself: This is the last time I will ever interview for a job as anything other than my full self. 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,” he was quoted as saying.

“Have I lied to teammates, coaches, trainers, front-office executives and fans about who I am? Not exactly. But withholding information is a form of deceit. And I want the next part of my career — and life — steeped in trust and honesty,” he continued. “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”

He revealed the “truth” of him being a bisexual man, among all other things.

“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.”

Russel said that he chose not to reveal his sexuality previously out of “fear”.

“I rationalized my fear because it was easy to convince myself that hiding who I was made the most sense. The competition is so stiff to stay in the league, that any small mark can lead a front office to choose another guy for your job,” Russell said.

The confidence to disclose the fact now, according to Russell, was boosted due to his personal growth in recent times.

“The biggest challenge yet: Can I bring these two worlds together? Can I take all the progress in my personal life over the 12 months and combine it with the professional success that I experienced the previous year? Can I unify my separate professional and personal lives into a single one?”

“I don’t believe this is a big ask in 2019,” he said

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Russell did not participate in the 2018 season due to injury and is currently a free agent after being released by Buffallo Bills last year. After his sexual identity revealed, Russell will become the first known bisexual player to take stage at the NFL, once he sets his foot on the field in the upcoming season.

“Today, I have two goals: returning to the NFL, and living my life openly,” he said. “Those two objectives shouldn’t be in conflict. 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.”