Coming Out to Play

By: Robbie Rogers, Eric Marcus

Narrated by: Robbie Rogers

A history making memoir of the first openly gay professional athlete in North America, now the producer of Fellow Travelers and My Policeman

“Rogers made history.” —Sports Illustrated

Robbie Rogers knows better than most that keeping secrets can crush you. But for much of his life Robbie lived in paralyzing fear that sharing his big secret would cost him the love of his family and his career as a professional soccer player. So he never told anyone what was destroying his soul, both on and off the field.

While the world around Robbie was changing with breathtaking speed, he knew that for a gay man playing a professional team sport it might as well be 1958. He could be a professional soccer player. Or he could be an out gay man. He couldn’t do both.

Then at the age of twenty-five and after nearly stepping away from a brilliant career—one that included an NCAA Championship, winning the MLS Cup, and competing in the Olympics—he chose to tell the truth. But instead of facing the rejection he feared, he was embraced—by his family, by his teammates, and his fans.

In Coming Out to Play, Robbie takes readers on his incredible journey from terrified teenager to a trailblazing out and proud professional soccer player for the L.A. Galaxy, who has embraced his new identity as a role model and champion for those still struggling with the secrets that keep them from living their dreams.

A wonderful story in his own voice

Narrating his story in his own voice and having his mom share her thoughts and experience makes this very personal and inspiring.

Really moving

Such a great story. As a gay Marine, I know that feeling of thinking your friends are going to stay away from you if you come out. But recently I've told a few of my friends about it and they are all happy for me. It's such a a great feeling. I'm so happy that Robbie has finally accepted himself and is able to live life to the fullest.

Wonderful story of a wonderful person

I'd never heard of Robbie Rogers before reading/listening to his story here. And what a powerful story it is! I'll definitely want to listen to it again. One of the things I loved about the narration was that it was the actual character himself, in the flesh, telling his own story. So raw, real and charming... especially when he would sort of chuckle at a memory. I wish I could know Robbie Rogers in real life, but I am happy that he (and his Mom, who also helped narrate in parts) allowed me to get to know him through his book and the reading of it. 5 stars!

Great book

loved it. One of the best books that I have read. great book to read.

Congrats Robbie

Robbie Rogers is a fresh breath in all aspects of this book..Although there are many places that you can tell he plays soccer for a living - not narrating books for a living, the performance only adds to it. Coming out is one of the hardest life steps I've ever made, and Robbie tells his with such love that it s seems to pour from the speakers.