Pittsburgh Steelers legendary linebacker and two-time Super Bowl champion Andy Russell, 82, died Thursday night, according to WTAE.
Russell was selected by the Steelers in the 16th round (No. 220) of the 1963 NFL draft but missed the 1964 and 1965 seasons to serve in the military and fulfill his ROTC commitments.
“He was a real top player there with all the intangibles and athletic skills, but not only that, he was a real leader,” Steelers personnel executive Art Rooney Jr. told Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Brian Batko. “The thing was, he was in the ROTC. Coach Buddy Parker said let’s take him, but the fear was he might go to the service — and he did.”
The first seasons that Russell spent with the Steelers were lean ones where the team finished with a losing record for six consecutive seasons. Finally, in 1972, the Steelers took off and the Steel Curtain defense was born.
Over 12 seasons, 10 of which he served as team captain, Russell produced 38 sacks, 18 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries and one touchdown in 168 games (162 starts). He was named team MVP in 1971 and was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection.
The only unfortunate accolade missing from his illustrious career is a bust in the Hall of Fame, which he so rightfully earned and deserved.
RIP Andy Russell. Russell was a 2x Super Bowl Champion and 7x Pro Bowler. He played linebacker on the legendary Steel Curtain defense. He was the senior member, having also played for the #Steelers during the famine years alongside Ernie Stautner in the 60’s. pic.twitter.com/MsEZREIoJR
— Historian Brady Crytzer (@BradyCrytzer) March 1, 2024
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