Former Dallas Cowboy DE Ryan Russell has revealed that he is bisexual in a personal essay. He last played for the Buccaneers in 2017.
Russell also addressed the stigma attached to being an LGBTQ person in the league. He believes that withholding information is deceitful, which is not the way he would like to live. He wants the rest of his career and life immersed in honesty and trust.
In a personal essay published Thursday on ESPN.com, Russell said, “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 early August, I met with an NFL team that was interested in signing me as a free agent for the upcoming season.” Although the team did not sign him, he was happy with the way meeting went and the way he presented himself.
“I feel the organization believes I have the skills and character to contribute to their success. What they know about me, they like — but there was one very important detail about my life they weren’t familiar with,” added the former Cowboys Defensive End.
“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,” penned Russell.
The 27-year-old said that right now he has two goals right – to make a comeback in the NFL and to lead his life openly. Russell 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 — for me, for other athletes who share these common goals, and for the generations of LGBTQ athletes who will come next.”
