Former NFL player, advocate, and author R.K. Russell discusses his powerful memoir 'The Yards Between Us,' highlighting the journey of breaking through barriers. Discover how writing this book redefined his purpose and find out about the exciting comedy adaptation by Sony Pictures. Plus, don't miss the Rockin' 8 with random questions and a sneak peek into R.K.'s inspiring message for future MVPs.

Welcome R.K. Russell:

We’re joined on the Starline by a former football player, author and advocate. He wrote “The Yards between Us” as a memoir showing the importance of crashing through barriers. We welcome R.K. Russell.

R.K., let’s go Beyond the Mic. For most of your life, football was everything to you. You woke up early, worked late and for a brief moment experience the game at a level very few athletes ever do as a professional player in the NFL. How hard was it to move on from your dream you had to a new dream?

How has writing this book freed you from what you thought your purpose was and helped you find what you purpose truly is?

When you saw the book for the 1st time, what emotions went through your mind?

Sony Pictures is adopting your book into a comedy. How exciting was that for you?

The Rockin' 8:

It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.

1. Favorite memory not from football from Creek View High School?

2. Best place on the Purdue campus to think?

3. Person who inspires you now?

4. Last gift you gave a friend?

5. Since you are a foodie, what veggie do you completely despise?

6. Pool or the Beach?

7. Bellybutton : Innie or Outie?

8. Has anyone ever told you “I love you” and you couldn’t honestly say it back?

Sneaking In One Question:

You once said “Continue to pursue greatness no matter what the set back”. How has your life changed after your greatest defeat into something even more special?

One Big Question:

You wrote a letter to the future MVP’s of tomorrow. If your letter touched only one person, was it worth it to write it? Why?

The Wrap:

Author “The Yards Between Us” R.K. Russell doesn’t like zucchini, enjoys the beach and had an outtie that’s now an innie. R.K. thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.

And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut.