andy russell RIP

Sorry to hear this. Prayers for his family. He was a great one. His career was kind of winding down when I became a fan in 1975, but I remember watching him play before he retired in 1976. What I’ve learned about him since then is that he overcame limited athletic ability by being one of the smartest guys to ever play LB for the Steelers. Jack Ham was a more athletic version of Andy Russell. Russell may have had physical limitations, but he rarely ever made a mental error on the field and was a tremendous leader. I feel sad that over the next few years more and more of my heroes from the 70s Steelers will be passing on.

 

Weren’t he and Ray Mansfield the two Steelers to be part of the worst and best Steeler teams?

I started watching in 77, the year after Russell retired. Thanks Jackattack for the bit of info on Russell. He must’ve been a good one.

 

Yes they were on that 1-13 team during Chuck Nolls first year as coach. Andy Russell played with Ernie Stautner in his rookie year and of course finished playing with the Steel Curtain led by Joe Greene in his last years. He was a teammate of two of the best D lineman ever to suit up for the Steelers.

 

Oh Andy. Thanks for the memories. RIP.

 

RIP, Andy. Thanks for the memories.

 

Does anyone think Russell is a Hall of Famer or just very good? Rest in peace Mr. Russell

 

As a Pittsburgh Steelers fan most of us do but for the rest of the leagues fans he is pretty much Andy “who”? Mostly due to the other Steelers greats all around him that get way more recognition.

 

That is true, you are right

 

RIP Andy.

 

Plus you would have to be pretty old to have a memory of him

Kiddies not so much

 

R.I.P. Andy, great Steeler and a good man.

 

A great man and a great steeler in respect and gratitude lift up his family in prayer , a real loss for them and Steeler Fans .

 

From what I had heard, he'd been suffering from dementia and other ailments but had battled them for quite some time, true to his tough nature.

That 93 yarder was a great play and must watch if you have not seen it (easily found on Youtube or X).

I had several interactions with him some years ago when I was researching the Jimmy Allen story and he was kind, gracious, and intelligent. His autobiographies (I believe he wrote 2 books) are full of great stories.

 

RIP. Sad to hear. If you've never read his book, I highly recommend it.