Ryan Russell Explains Why Bisexuality Is A Superpower
Former Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Ryan “RK” Russell made headlines in 2019 when an ESPN profile revealed he is bisexual. That moment rewrote the playbook for professional sport, and Russell has kept the momentum ever since, speaking at Pride events, writing the memoir The Yards Between Us, and calling out lazy stereotypes wherever they pop up.
In a recent TikTok that racked up more than a million views, Russell greets viewers with, “Today, we’re going to be talking about how sports culture is queer culture.” He breaks down the myth that bisexuality equals indecision by comparing it to LeBron James running both offence and defence. “If you’re LeBron James, you’re not just a devastating offensive force,” he says. “You’re also a killer on defence. You’re playing both ends of the floor, and that’s a value. It’s about versatility.”
The message lands because everyone knows a two-way athlete is pure gold.
Why playing the whole field matters.
Russell points to Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter, the 2025 No. 2 draft pick who shines at wide receiver and cornerback. Hunter’s value comes from being ready wherever the coach needs him, yet bisexual people are often told their own flexibility is a flaw. “Unfortunately, when we talk about bisexual people,” Russell adds, “we don’t see it with that same lens.”
At DNA, we think it is time the crowd started cheering the full skill set.
Off the field, the stakes feel personal.
Russell explains that attraction can shift without betraying anyone. “For some people, that’s not an issue,” he notes, reminding viewers that identity can be fluid and still loyal. The punch line is simple: a player who covers every blade of grass helps the whole team win.
Russell signs off, “So the next time that you think about a bisexual person ‘going both ways,’ think about them as the all-star of their team.” We hear you, Ryan. Versatility is strength, the roster spot is earned, and the score keeps rising.
