Andy Russell

PRO FOOTBALL PLAYER

“Andy was a special, special teammate, experiencing all of the bad things that happened with the Steelers… Andy showed us how to win, how to enjoy practice, how to prepare ourselves for the weekend. (He was a) very special leader.”
-” Mean Joe” Greene

Andy Russell is one of the most successful professional athletes to ever come from the Show Me State. He was a household name during the 1970’s with the Pittsburg Steelers, although few know that his superstar got his start in a St. Louis suburb. He left a legacy as one of the most rugged players in NFL history, while also being recognized by his peers as one of the best teammates of all time as well.

The Early Years:

Charles Andrew Russell was born on October 29, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan. He spent most of his youth on the east coast before his family moved to Missouri when he was a freshman. Although he had never played football prior to his arrival in the St. Louis area, he quickly picked up the game and became a starter for the Rams at Ladue Horton Watkins High School. Andy proved to be so adept at the fullback and linebacker positions that he was recruited by numerous high-level college football programs.

Rise to Fame:

Russell made the choice to play in-state with coach Dan Devine at the University of Missouri. He had a stellar collegiate career that showcased his durability, along with his character. Coach Devine recognized his leadership skills and named him the captain of the 1962 football Tigers. Following his playing days with Ole Mizzou, he was picked by the Pittsburgh Steelers to be a part of a team that became legendary.

Show Me Success:

Andy Russell made an immediate impact on the NFL in 1963 by earning a spot on the All-Rookie Team. When he joined the Steelers, they were one of the worst in the league. He even had to take time off to serve in the Army, which hardened his resolve for greatness. When he came back, he stuck through the losing seasons as the team drafted future superstars to play alongside him. Those draft picks ended up forming what was perhaps the most dominating defensive team of all time.

Russell began to mature and grow as a player in the NFL. In fact, he became one of the top players in the history of the game. Russell was a leader on the team which he captained for 10 seasons. He was named to his first of 7 Pro Bowls in 1968 as the Steelers started to show signs of greatness. By the early 1970’s, he was named the team’s MVP. He was paired with players like Joe Greene, Jack Hamm, Jack Lambert, and L.C. Greenwood as a part of the “Steel Curtain” defense. Led by Terry Bradshaw as quarterback, the Steelers won Super Bowl IX in the 1974 season and Super Bowl X to conclude the 1975 season.

Not only was Russell a standout player, but he was also unique is his ability to play through pain. He never missed a football game in high school, college, or professional. He was inducted in the University of Missouri Hall of Fame in 1993. In addition, he was also named by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee as a member of the All-Pro Team of the 1970’s.

Extra, Extra!

• Russell was the winner of the Whizzer White Humanitarian Award in 1973.
• He earned an MBA from Mizzou while playing in the NFL.