In high school, Dorien Bryant demonstrated his athletic prowess in track and field, and especially football, where he excelled as a wide receiver. And he maintained a machismo image.
“I had girls hanging all over me.”
But in high school, he knew he was at least bisexual but didn’t act on it.
Bryant enrolled at Purdue University in 2004 and joined their Boilermakers football team. He played four seasons.
Bryant held 23 different school and Big Ten records. He was a four-time All-Big Ten selection and participated in the 2008 Senior Bowl.
He ranked second in school history with 292 receptions, third with 3,548 yards receiving.
He holds a Purdue record with 6,219 all-purpose yards.
But during his junior year, he began a relationship with a male cheerleader.
“It was fun to feel like there was no judgment. But there was trust.”
But later, he would admit:
“I don’t think there were any true feelings.”
Then things quickly spiraled out of his control. He suffered injuries on the field. And the relationship with the cheerleader fizzled. Unfortunately, scorned lovers sometimes seek revenge. Rumors began circulating about Bryant’s sexuality. When teammates asked him.
“I had to play dumb. (Admitting it) could have ruined my life.”
Things got worse during a game against Indiana State. Bryant saw a cardboard cutout with his picture next to rainbow flags in the Sycamores’ section and Gay chants echoed across the field. Could he hide his sexuality for an entire pro career?
“That game was an eye-opening experience. I remember thinking, I’m not going to be able to do this for another six or seven years.”
That choice was ultimately out of Bryant’s hands as well. With multiple injuries in his senior year, he was labeled an injury risk. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2008 but was later released.
Although he didn’t have a career in professional football, the sport will always be part of his life. As recently as 2022, Bryant was invited back to Purdue to serve as Honorary Captain in a match against their rivals, Iowa State.
Had he been signed to a professional team, would Dorien have been the only Gay NFL player?
“I think there had to be a solid six or seven guys who—I’m pretty sure—I mean, they may not have been gay, but they would definitely get into bed with a guy.”