Russell, known for playing the defensive end on the field, opened up to BBC Sport during LGBTQ+ History Month to spotlight the inequalities faced by LGBTQ+ players.
Speaking to the BBC, Russell admitted tackling sexuality on the field can be “daunting”. The 29-year-old athlete is a currently free agent and has played for the likes of the Dallas Cowboys, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills.
After facing bouts of stop and start plays, Rusell had to take a break from sports after facing a shoulder injury in 2019. “It’s scary, daunting and paralysing but I’ve got to keep moving forward – I want to be the first, but never the last,” Russell said.