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R.K. Russell

Former NFL Football Player, Social Justice Advocate, Published Poet, Essayist & Artist

R.K. Russell
Travels From Travels From:
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Speaking Fee Speaking Fee:
Live Event: $30,000 - $50,000
Virtual Event: $30,000 - $50,000
More Fee Info
Categories Categories:
Categories Categories:
Athlete, Authors, Belonging, Black Heritage, Black History Month, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Football, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Social Activism, Sports, Sports Motivation
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R.K. Russell Biography

R. K. Russell is a former NFL football player, a social justice advocate, published poet, essayist, and artist. In August of 2019, Russell made history by becoming the first out active NFL player to identify as bisexual. A decorated defensive end who has played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he has sacked Hall of Famers and gone up against the fiercest competitors at the height of their game.

Since coming out, he has written about his experience as a Black queer man in sports for The New York Times, The Guardian, The Los Angeles Times, Out Magazine, and Queer Majority, among others. Russell has been advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in professional sports, spearheading multiple NFL Pride initiatives such as the NFL Pride panel and the NFL’s National Coming Out Day PSA. He has been honored by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) by GAY TIMES (U.K.) as Sportsperson of the Year, and he was selected to the prestigious OUT 100 List in 2019.

His short documentary, Finding Free, was nominated for best short documentary at the 43rd Annual Sports Emmys and won awards at the 2022 Webby Awards, the 60th New York Film Festival, and the 43rd Annual Telly Awards. His new memoir, "The Yards Between Us," is available everywhere books are sold. He lives in Los Angeles.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/12/2024.

R.K. Russell Speaking Topics

  • The Yards Between Us: Belonging Through Life, Love, and Football

    “I worried that a young man who wrote poetry, drew pictures, and enjoyed slow songs about love would be seen as less masculine and, therefore, less of a football player. Being actually queer seemed like an instant, irreversible verdict on my belonging, on my right to exist in the male world of football.”

    in this powerful talk, former the former NFL Defensive End shares his story and explores his love of football, men and women, walking the devastating tightrope of keeping his sexuality secret, the tension between his private and public lives, and the importance of crashing through barriers.

    Through being cut, injured, and frustrating setbacks, Russell’s confidence lags as the secret of his sexuality weighs heavier and heavier. And when that frustration is combined with the devastating loss of his best friend and sole confidant, the darkness that follows also brings a deep understanding that perhaps it’s time to make a change. In Los Angeles, against the backdrop of the swaying palm trees and warm sands of Malibu, Russell falls in love and it’s the final push he needs to stand up for every part of himself—a professional athlete, a writer, a son, a friend, a lover, a bisexual Black man. R.K. Russell shows us the life-changing power of embracing who you are and fighting to make space so others can do the same.

R.K. Russell Videos

  • Ryan Russell Pride 2022 Keynote Q & A
    Ryan Russell Pride 2022 Keynote Q & A
  • Ryan Russell On How Culture Of Youth Sports Can Stop Young LGBTQ Athletes
    Ryan Russell On How Culture Of Youth Sports Can Stop Young LGBTQ Athletes
    NFL Free Agent Ryan Russell joins Geoff Bennett to discuss what Carl Nassib's announcement means for LGBTQ representation in sports.
  • Ryan Russell at the 23rd Annual HRC National Dinner
    Ryan Russell at the 23rd Annual HRC National Dinner
    NFL veteran Ryan Russell gives remarks at the 23rd Annual HRC National Dinner.
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R.K. Russell Books

  • The Yards Between Us: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Football
    The Yards Between Us: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Football

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  • How do I book R.K. Russell to speak at my event?

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    Speaking fees for R.K. Russell, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book R.K. Russell are for live events and for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire R.K. Russell, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.

  • What topics does R.K. Russell speak about?

    R.K. Russell is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Athlete, Authors, Belonging, Black Heritage, Black History Month, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Football, LGBTQ, Mental Health, Social Activism, Sports, Sports Motivation.

  • Where does R.K. Russell travel from?

    R.K. Russell generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.

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    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like R.K. Russell for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book R.K. Russell for your next private or corporate function.

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R.K. Russell is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as The Yards Between Us: Belonging Through Life, Love, and Football. The estimated speaking fee range to book R.K. Russell for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. R.K. Russell generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Chris Mosier, Jason Collins, Wade Davis, Renee Montgomery and LZ Granderson. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling R.K. Russell for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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