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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 31: Ryan Russell #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sacks Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in the second half of a game at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017, in Tampa, Florida.

Last week, NFL free-agent Ryan Russell came out as a bisexual man. As much as I would like for this not to be news—but rather an everyday display of courage and truth—it’s a milestone. Currently, there are no active athletes in the NFL, NBA, MLB, or NHL who are openly bisexual or gay. In fact, if Russell takes to the field to play in the regular season, he will be the first male athlete to do so in the NFL after coming out. I am very curious about how this will turn out and what it means for Russell’s future in the NFL. 

While I was watching Russell’s interview on this topic, he said something that really stood out to me. When asked, “Why hasn’t there been anyone openly gay or bisexual to play a regular season game?” his response was, “We learn from observation at a young age…if I don’t see anyone do it, more than likely, I’m not going to try to be the first one.” He laughed as he acknowledged that he is, in fact, trying to be “the first” in this moment.  

This stuck with me for a few reasons. First, I had never before stopped to consider how important it is for LGBTQ children who play sports, such as football and basketball, to see players like them actively playing in the professional leagues. I truly commend Russell for his courage because he is hoping to change that. 

LGBTQ children who play sports, such as football and basketball, need to see players like them actively playing in the professional leagues. I truly commend Ryan for his courage because he is hoping to change that. Share on X

Second, it’s no secret that Russell is taking a big risk by coming out before he is signed this season. One could look at the track record that the NFL has for LGBTQ players: most players have chosen to come out once they retired. For those who did not, their careers with the NFL were short–lived. (For instance, Michael Sam, who announced he was gay prior to the NFL draft—he was drafted by the Rams, but only played in a preseason game before being cut. He later went on to play overseas.) 

Russell mentioned that no one outright told him that if he came out, he would not play in the NFL, but I’m sure this thought came to his mind before he made this decision to reveal his truth to the world. During an interview with ESPN, he said, “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.” Just hearing this saddened me. That anyone must view their sexuality as a mark or blemish that needs to be covered up in order to remain employed is horrible.  

That anyone must view their sexuality as a mark or blemish that needs to be covered up in order to remain employed is horrible. Share on X

At what point will the NFL & other major sports leagues view athletes as just “athletes”? When will they view their sexuality as having no correlation with their worth, performance, or athletic ability? Russell explained to the New York Times, “I think the NFL is definitely ready to accept an openly LGBTQ player.” What are your thoughts? Do you agree?