Coming Out to Play

By: Robbie Rogers, Eric Marcus

Narrated by: Robbie Rogers

Length: 4 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

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 last year, at the age of 25, 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 listeners on his incredible journey: from terrified teenager to a trailblazing out and proud professional soccer player for the L.A. Galaxy. He 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.

©2015 Robbie Rogers; 2015 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Rogers made history.... As the first openly gay male to play a game in a major professional team sport in North America, Rogers' ascension to becoming a pioneer was complete. Rogers' return was symbolic, poetic and seamless all at the same time." (Avi Creditor, Sports Illustrated)

"By standing up, coming out and continuing to play the sport he loves, Robbie Rogers has inspired millions of people around the world. He has refused to let fear stop him from living and loving and his story will move you as it has me." (Anderson Cooper)

"Robbie Rogers' story transcends sport; he's an inspiration to his peers and future generations." (Jason Collins, center for the Brooklyn Nets and the first "out" NBA player)

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.

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.

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.

A must read for any sports fan.

This honest, true life story about out soccer star Robbie Rogers is an incredible story about the struggles of being gay in professional sports, specifically soccer. Robbie Rogers an MLS player, International star and US National team player. He discusses his struggles with family, team mates, coach's and fans. But most importantly his struggles with himself. I feel all soccer players and people involved in sports need to read this book. Or listen! 😁