Comedian and social media star Corey O’Brien is sharing new details about his relationship with former NFL player Ryan Russell, his journey to sobriety, and his mission to bring queer comedy to conservative corners of the US.
The 34-year-old, who has amassed over 2 million followers across TikTok and Instagram, is currently on tour with his show, aptly titled The Red Tour, which sees him performing in traditionally conservative (or “red”) states.
“There are people that are queer living in these red states – people that won’t or can’t leave,” O’Brien told People magazine.
“I’m really doing it for them, because I feel like going into these places and being my authentic self is a sign of resistance and rebellion.”
From Tinder to Touchdowns: A Love Story with Ryan Russell
O’Brien also gave rare insight into his relationship with Ryan Russell, who in 2019 became the first NFL player to come out as bisexual.
The pair met on Tinder, at a time when Russell was recovering from an injury and seeking a new team contract. O’Brien recalls that while sparks flew early on, he initially had no idea who Russell was.
“When he told me he played football, I was like, ‘Cute.’ I thought it was the league on Sundays here in West Hollywood, where all of the gay people get together and they throw. I didn’t know sh*t,” he laughed.
Love Under Pressure
As their relationship developed, O’Brien admits he feared what would happen if Russell returned to professional football.
“I bawled my eyes out,” he said, believing it could mark the end of their time together.
Instead, Russell didn’t get signed and decided to publicly come out as bisexual.
“I had to be really strategic with staying off my phone – and not reading comments,” O’Brien shared.
“It felt like unnecessary pressure.”
Despite the media storm, the couple weathered it together. These days, they’re attending NFL events as a proud, visible couple.
On the Road and Unapologetically Queer
O’Brien’s Red Tour has a clear purpose: to provide visibility and connection for LGBTQ+ people in parts of America where queer voices are often underrepresented or actively suppressed.
“I don’t see this tour ending anytime soon,” he said. “And I see a special in the near future.”
For O’Brien, the tour is more than laughs — it’s a form of resistance, empowerment, and celebration of identity.
