The Yards Between Us

A Memoir of Life, Love, and Football

By: R.K. Russell

Narrated by: R.K. Russell

In 2019, R.K. Russell broke the mold when he came out as bisexual in an essay for ESPN that ignited the sports world. Now, in his powerful memoir, THE YARDS BETWEEN US, he 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.

One part inspirational journey and one part coming of age as an athlete struggling to break a mold. THE YARDS BETWEEN US follows in the footsteps of moving, impactful sports memoirs like Agassi's OPEN, Misty Copeland's LIFE IN MOTION, and Megan Rapinoe's ONE LIFE.

Russell traces the highs and lows of his life in and out of football, from his early life as a shy kid struggling with the expectations on a Black boy and the pull between his quiet nature and his athletic ability, to being drafted by his hometown team the Dallas Cowboys, and then on to seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. And as his time in the sport comes into full bloom, Russell realizes that keeping his secret in the NFL is easier than in college when life and football are so much more connected to social worlds.

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. In THE YARDS BETWEEN US, 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.

©2023 R.K. Russell (P)2023 Hyperion Avenue

Heartfelt and insightful look at acceptance

I’ve had the pleasure to know Russ through a gym in Los Angeles. Hearing his story now through full acceptance and his journey to live his purest life is inspiring. Highly recommend.

Beautiful story

Author’s unique journey and candid storytelling. It is a beautiful story of overcoming adversity time and time again

The Story to Bring Worlds Together

RK’s story has such a strong message of the importance of love and connection. His story will open the eyes of people on all sides of this battle for love and acceptance. As a fellow lgbt community member I can confirm that him sharing his journey of football gave me insight to a world I had never thought anything about. I can only hope that his story can be a bridge for those who know him from his football journey will cross the bridge to a new understanding of what it means to be lgbtqia+.
This was such a touching story from the beginning to the end. Being someone who recently connected with RK I can say that the man he’s become is so much more than he gives himself credit for in this book. His heart is so big and the work he’s doing to spread the message of love in this world is so powerful. Can’t wait to see where he goes next in life.

It's Ryan's truth. What stands out the most to me was the love and courage it took for him to share it all....openly.

Ryan's relationship with his mother is amazing and his openness to figure things out with his Father, awesome. it's not my role to judge his journey but I'm very grateful that he was willing to share it and that it is written so well.

A lonely journey

R.K. ‘s path is a testament to be considerate to everyone,, you never know what someone else is dealing with and more although their existence suggests something otherwise! A super listen! You feel as though you really know him but could never really know his struggles unless you are him!