Ryan Russell Nfl Boyfriend & Net Worth: Corey O’Brien in 2025

The former NFL player turned poet and advocate, Ryan K. Russell, is happily in a relationship with his boyfriend, Corey O’Brien. Their love story, which began in 2018, continues to shine through shared Instagram moments, like recent coffee dates in Culver City, California. Ryan, the first openly bisexual active NFL player, is also promoting his poetry book, Prison or Passion, while teasing a “big announcement” about his creative work.

This article explores Ryan’s relationship with Corey, their journey together, and why their bond inspires so many, all in a clear, and inclusive way for readers of all ages.

Who Is Ryan Russell’s Boyfriend?

Ryan K. Russell is in a loving relationship with Corey O’Brien, a professional dancer and TikTok personality with over 1.8 million followers. Corey, born and raised in Philadelphia, trained at The Rock School for Dance Education and has performed with major artists like Mariah Carey, Ne-Yo, and P. Diddy.

Known for his vibrant dance videos and comedic skits, Corey brings a dynamic energy to their partnership. The couple met on a dating app in 2018 and has been together ever since, sharing their journey through Instagram posts, their joint YouTube channel (Corey & Russ), and public appearances like the 2023 GLAAD and NFL’s A Night of Pride event.

Their relationship, public since Ryan’s 2019 coming-out as bisexual, is marked by mutual support, creativity, and a commitment to living authentically.

Who Is Ryan K. Russell?

Ryan K. Russell is a 33-year-old trailblazer who made history as the first openly bisexual active NFL player. Born in Carrollton, Texas, on January 17, 1992, he played as a defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a standout college career at Purdue University. A fifth-round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Ryan appeared in 23 games, recording 62 tackles and five sacks before a shoulder injury in 2018 paused his football career.

Since then, he’s embraced his passion for writing, becoming a published poet, memoirist, and Emmy-nominated producer. His 2019 ESPN essay, where he came out as bisexual, was a game-changer, earning praise for its courage and sparking conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. Now based in Los Angeles, Ryan is a self-described “LA Poet,” using his platform to share stories of love, identity, and resilience.

The Love Story of Ryan and Corey O’Brien

Ryan Russell and his boyfriend, Corey O’Brien, have been a couple since 2018, and their relationship is a beautiful blend of support and creativity. They met on a dating app when neither was looking for something serious, but as Ryan shared in a 2020 Jejune Magazine interview, their connection was instant.

“I was very persistent about meeting in person because I felt I had the best chance of winning him over with my face-to-face charm,” Ryan said, laughing about their first coffee date where they bonded over sobriety, family, and their careers in sports and dance. That spark has only grown stronger over the years, with the couple celebrating over six years together by 2025.

Their joint YouTube channel, Corey & Russ, launched in 2019, captures their dynamic as a couple. From sharing their London trip for Ryan’s Gay Times award to documenting everyday moments, the channel reflects their commitment to living openly.

Corey’s support was especially vital when Ryan came out, with posts praising Ryan’s courage and reinforcing their shared values. Their ability to blend creativity—Ryan’s poetry and Corey’s dance—makes their relationship a unique celebration of art and love.

Are Ryan Russell and Corey O’Brien Still Together?

Yes, Ryan and Corey are still together as of July 2025, and their bond seems stronger than ever. Recent Instagram posts show them enjoying casual outings, like grabbing to-go drinks in Culver City, California, and spending time in Buffalo, New York. Their chemistry is evident in small gestures—holding hands, sharing kisses, or simply laughing together—captured in photos that radiate joy.

A 2023 Just Jared article noted they were “still going strong after being linked for about five years,” and there’s no indication their relationship has changed since. They’ve weathered challenges together, including the emotional toll of 2020’s social unrest, attending Black Lives Matter protests and supporting each other through personal growth.

Their relationship went public in August 2019, shortly after Ryan’s ESPN essay. He introduced Corey to the world with a heartfelt poem on Instagram: “Love is faithful, Love is kind, It doesn’t brag or boast, But when I tell the world you’re mine, I tend to brag the most.” Corey echoed the sentiment, writing, “This man is the top headline on ESPN this morning for speaking his truth as a player in the NFL and as my boyfriend. I couldn’t be more proud.”

Since then, they’ve been spotted sharing sweet moments, from ice cream dates in Hollywood to hand-in-hand walks in London, where Ryan received the Gay Times Sporting Hero Award in 2019.

Ryan’s Career and Net Worth

While Ryan’s love life is a focal point, his professional journey adds depth to his story. After his NFL career with the Cowboys, Buccaneers, and briefly the Buffalo Bills, Ryan transitioned to writing and advocacy. His memoir, The Yards Between Us: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Football, published in May 2023, received stellar reviews and is being adapted into a comedy series by Sony and Gabrielle Union.

He’s also an Emmy-nominated producer for Finding Free, a short film about his coming-out journey. His latest project, the poetry book Prison or Passion, has been a hit, with Ryan hosting a giveaway in July 2025 to celebrate its success, offering signed copies and a $50 cash prize to fans.

Estimating Ryan’s net worth is trickier, as exact figures aren’t publicly confirmed. During his NFL career, he earned a base salary of around $450,000 to $600,000 per season, typical for a fifth-round draft pick and practice squad player.

Since leaving the NFL, his income likely comes from book sales, speaking engagements, and media projects. Industry estimates suggest his net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million, factoring in his NFL earnings and creative ventures. However, Ryan’s focus seems less on wealth and more on impact, using his platform to advocate for inclusivity and share his art.

Corey O’Brien’s Role in Ryan’s Life

Corey O’Brien isn’t just Ryan’s boyfriend—he’s a partner in every sense, supporting Ryan’s dreams while pursuing his own. As a dancer, Corey has performed on stages from Broadway to Las Vegas, including gigs with Royal Caribbean and Mariah Carey’s Christmas show.

His TikTok fame, with over 1.8 million followers, stems from his infectious dance videos and comedic content, often featuring Ryan. In 2025, Corey announced “The Red Tour,” a comedy and dance tour targeting conservative states, showcasing his bold creativity.

Their ability to blend creativity—Ryan’s poetry and Corey’s dance—makes their relationship a unique celebration of art and love. Their shared commitment to authenticity shines through in their public appearances. I

n February 2023, they attended the GLAAD and NFL’s A Night of Pride event in Phoenix, where Ryan spoke on a panel about LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports, joined by Corey’s supportive presence. While no similar events have been reported in 2025, their ongoing posts suggest a stable, loving partnership.

What Happened to Ryan Russell’s NFL Career?

Ryan’s NFL journey ended after a shoulder injury in 2018 while with the Buffalo Bills. As a free agent, he expressed a desire to return to the league openly as a bisexual player, but as of 2025, he hasn’t signed with a team. Instead, he’s channeled his energy into writing and advocacy. His ESPN essay revealed the challenges of hiding his identity in the NFL, fearing it could end his career and ability to support his family. By choosing authenticity, Ryan shifted his focus to creative projects, including his memoir and poetry, which have become central to his legacy.

Why Their Story Matters

Ryan and Corey’s relationship is more than just a love story—it’s a beacon of hope for inclusivity. Ryan’s coming out in 2019 was a bold step in a sports world where openly LGBTQ+ athletes are rare. His essay highlighted the lack of out players in major leagues like the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, and his openness has paved the way for others.

Their public affection, from beach days in Santa Monica to pride events, challenges stereotypes and shows that love can thrive authentically, even under scrutiny. For young readers, their story is a reminder that being true to yourself is powerful, no matter who you love.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Ryan and Corey?

As of July 2025, Ryan and Corey continue to build their lives together, balancing creative projects and advocacy. Ryan’s Prison or Passion promotion and upcoming “big announcement” hint at exciting developments, possibly new writing or media projects. Corey’s Red Tour suggests he’s expanding his reach as a performer, bringing his dance and comedy to new audiences.

Their Instagram posts, filled with poetry and shared moments, keep fans engaged, while their YouTube channel remains a space for authentic storytelling. Whether they’re planning a future together—Ryan’s poems often dream of “old and gray, hand in hand”—or continuing to inspire, their journey is one to watch.

Conclusion

Ryan K. Russell and Corey O’Brien’s love story is a testament to living authentically and loving boldly. From their chance meeting on a dating app to their public displays of affection and shared creative ventures, they’ve built a partnership that inspires.

Ryan’s courage as the first openly bisexual NFL player, paired with Corey’s vibrant support, shows how love can break barriers and spark change. As they navigate 2025 with new projects and unwavering commitment, their story reminds us all—whether you’re 11 or 111—that being true to yourself and your heart is what truly matters.