Former NFL defensive end Ryan Russell, also known as R.K. Russell, is in a long-term relationship with Corey O’Brien, a professional dancer, comedian, and social media personality. The couple began dating in 2019 after meeting on Tinder, shortly before Russell publicly came out as bisexual. Their relationship attracted national attention when Russell introduced O’Brien in his widely discussed ESPN essay. More than seven years later, the two continue sharing glimpses of their lives while pursuing separate careers in entertainment, writing, and advocacy.
Who Is Ryan Russell’s Boyfriend?
Corey O’Brien is an American professional dancer, stand-up comedian, and digital content creator who has worked with prominent music artists and developed a substantial online audience.
Although he initially gained recognition through professional dancing, O’Brien later expanded his career into comedy and social media entertainment.
His relationship with former NFL player Ryan Russell brought additional public attention to his work.
Unlike Russell, whose professional background is rooted in American football, O’Brien built his career through performance and creative expression.
Their different professional experiences have become a recognizable part of their relationship story.
Corey O’Brien’s Career
Before establishing himself as an online personality, O’Brien pursued professional dance training.
He studied at the Rock School for Dance Education and Broadway Dance Center, two institutions known for preparing performers for demanding careers.
His training helped him secure opportunities within the commercial entertainment industry.
O’Brien has performed alongside major recording artists, including Ne-Yo, Iggy Azalea, and French Montana.
He has also appeared on the popular reality competition series RuPaul’s Drag Race.
These experiences helped him develop a professional identity well before his relationship with Russell attracted wider media attention.
His background in dance continues to influence his stage presence and comedic performances.
How They Met
Ryan Russell and Corey O’Brien first connected through Tinder in 2019.
Their introduction was surprisingly ordinary considering Russell’s professional football background.
According to accounts of their early relationship, O’Brien did not initially recognize Russell as an NFL player.
When Russell mentioned that he played football, O’Brien reportedly assumed he participated in a casual Sunday league in West Hollywood.
The misunderstanding later became a humorous detail that the couple shared publicly.
Their connection developed beyond the dating application, and they began building a relationship during an important period in Russell’s personal life.
Coming Out in 2019
In August 2019, Russell publicly came out as bisexual through an essay published by ESPN.
The announcement was a significant moment in professional American football, where openly LGBTQ+ male players had historically received limited visibility.
Russell discussed the challenges of navigating his identity while pursuing a career in the NFL.
He also introduced Corey O’Brien as his boyfriend, making their relationship part of his public coming-out story.
At the time, Russell was seeking to continue his professional football career and was a free agent rather than a player on an active NFL roster.
His decision received widespread coverage and contributed to broader conversations about inclusion in professional sports.
Relationship Goes Public
Following Russell’s announcement, the couple began appearing together more frequently.
Russell and O’Brien launched a joint YouTube channel, giving viewers an opportunity to learn about their relationship beyond traditional media interviews.
Their videos included personal experiences, everyday moments, and conversations about their lives.
The couple also used their growing visibility to discuss LGBTQ+ representation and the importance of living openly.
For Russell, being able to acknowledge his relationship publicly represented a major change from the privacy he had maintained during his football career.
O’Brien supported him while continuing to develop his own entertainment projects.
Viral Couple Photos
One memorable moment in their relationship involved photographs of Russell and O’Brien holding hands in public.
Images originally taken in 2019 resurfaced online during 2025 and 2026, attracting renewed attention from social media users.
The photographs showed the couple together during the early stages of their relationship.
O’Brien responded to the renewed interest with humor, joking about his limited understanding of American football.
In one widely shared comment, he suggested that the only thing he knew about the sport was that Russell could tackle him.
The playful response reflected the humorous dynamic that followers have come to associate with the couple.
Comedy Career
O’Brien has increasingly focused on stand-up comedy alongside his social media work.
In 2025, he performed his Red Tour, bringing comedy shows to conservative-leaning states across the United States.
The tour attracted attention because of its locations and O’Brien’s willingness to perform before audiences with potentially different social and political perspectives.
His comedy frequently draws on personal experiences, relationships, and observations about contemporary culture.
Rather than relying exclusively on his connection to Russell, O’Brien has continued developing an independent identity as an entertainer.
His stage experience as a dancer has also contributed to his confidence as a live performer.
Social Media Success
Corey O’Brien has built an audience of more than two million followers across TikTok and Instagram, according to reported figures.
His online content combines comedy, personal commentary, and occasional moments involving Russell.
The couple’s interactions have attracted viewers interested in their relationship and contrasting personalities.
O’Brien’s growing audience has also provided opportunities to promote his comedy performances and other creative projects.
Although their relationship remains visible online, both maintain individual professional interests.
Ryan Russell’s NFL Career
Before becoming known for his advocacy and writing, Russell established himself as a professional football player.
He played defensive end in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Russell entered the league after playing college football at Purdue University.
The Dallas Cowboys selected him in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
He later joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he continued developing his professional career.
His experiences in football influenced his later discussions about identity, masculinity, and acceptance within competitive sports.
Russell subsequently explored those subjects through writing and public speaking.
Life Beyond Football
Russell has continued building a career outside professional football through literature and advocacy.
His memoir, The Yards Between Us, explores his experiences with identity, relationships, and professional sports.
The book provides a more personal account of the challenges he faced while attempting to reconcile different parts of his life.
His relationship with O’Brien forms part of the broader story of finding greater personal freedom after years of uncertainty.
Both men have continued supporting LGBTQ+ visibility through their respective public platforms.
Are They Still Together?
As of November 2026, Ryan Russell and Corey O’Brien are reported to remain together after beginning their relationship in 2019.
Their partnership has lasted more than seven years, spanning Russell’s public coming-out announcement, O’Brien’s growing comedy career, and their shared social media presence.
There has been no confirmed public announcement of a marriage between the two.
While Russell continues his work as an author and advocate, O’Brien remains active in comedy and digital entertainment.
Their relationship is notable not only because of Russell’s NFL background but also because both have developed independent careers while maintaining a long-term partnership.
Corey O’Brien remains the publicly identified boyfriend of Ryan Russell, and their relationship continues to attract interest among sports and entertainment audiences.
