Ryan Russell on Carl Nassib, the Super Bowl, and LGBTQ+ acceptance in American football

There are some things Ryan Russell isn't sure about — such as who he wants to win the Super Bowl this Sunday.

And then there are the things about which the former NFL defensive end is certain — such as a belief that American football can thrive by becoming a more inclusive sport.

In the 12 months since the last Super Bowl, there has been a major breakthrough on that front, with Carl Nassib making history as the first NFL player to come out as gay and then feature in a regular-season game.

So as the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals prepare to face each other in this year's showpiece, Russell has had chance to reflect on the recent changes he's seen regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion in this most American of sports.

And to mark LGBT+ History Month, Russell — who came out as bisexual in 2019 — has been talking to the BBC about the sport he loves, the pride it has given him, and the ways it can become better at welcoming everyone.

But the Los Angeles-based ex-pro has also been looking forward to this weekend's big game at the cavernous SoFi Stadium.

«It's in LA, so of course we're going,» Russell laughs.

«I've had friends who've played for both teams, so I'm a little torn on who I want to win. But for me, the Super Bowl is the embodiment of family, love, and a little friendly smack talk, and I love that.»

On the surface, Russell had it all as an NFL player, having achieved an American sporting dream.

His story began in Texas, where he grew up in a community built around the three 'Fs' of family, faith and football.

After earning a full scholarship to Purdue University, he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2015, starting a professional run that took him on to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and allowed him to test himself against