Bisexual NFLer R.K. Russell talks Carl Nassib, his complicated relationship with football & finding joy
The Yards Between Us.The book recounts his experiences growing up with a single mother as a queer Black man and football star.
Russell opens up about painful childhood memories and his dark road towards self-harm and alcohol abuse and years-long search for happiness, which he has finally found. We recently caught up with Russell to talk about his memoir, football’s complicated role in his life and his journey to personal freedom.
Here’s what he had to say…A post shared by R.K. Russell (@rkrelentless)QUEERTY: What is the primary message that you want readers to take away from your memoir?RUSSELL: I think for marginalized people, and specifically young, Black queer people, I want them to feel not only that they’re not alone, but that they can do anything.
Your identity shouldn’t stop you from pursuing a sport, a career and a life of happiness, love and joy. For those that do not fall within those margins, I want them to see that we’re all just humans.
