‘The Yards Between Us’ Comedy From R.K. Russell, Saeed Crumpler And Gabrielle Union In Works At Sony Pictures TV

L to R: Saeed Crumpler, R. K. Russell, Gabrielle Union

Sony Pictures Television is set to adapt former NFL player R.K. Russell's memoir, "The Yards Between Us," into a half-hour comedy series. The series, co-created by Russell, Saeed Crumpler (of "Flatbush Misdemeanors" fame), and Gabrielle Union (known for her role in "Truth Be Told"), follows the story of a famous professional football player who became the first active player in the league to openly identify as bisexual.

"The Yards Between Us" explores the intersectionality of sports, race, sexuality, and masculinity through the eyes of a trailblazing athlete. The show will allow Russell to share his life story fully, with no holds barred. In addition to his career in the NFL, Russell is a published poet, essayist, and artist, making him a true multihyphenate.

Russell made history in 2019 when he publicly identified as bisexual in a deeply personal essay for ESPN, becoming the first out active NFL player to do so. Since then, he has used his platform to support LGBTQ+ pro athletes and the community at large, as well as to call out the difficulties professional players face when they open up about their sexual identity.

Alongside Union, Russell and Crumpler will write and executive produce "The Yards Between Us." Crumpler recently signed a development deal with Sony TV, and Union will produce the series through her production banner, I'll Have Another.

Russell is represented by DLM Impact and Aevitas Creative, while Crumpler is represented by CAA, Bellevue Productions, and Rush Law Corp. Union is represented by CAA and Range Media Partners. With this all-star team behind it, "The Yards Between Us" promises to be an insightful and entertaining exploration of the complex issues surrounding sexuality and sports.