Brian Russell facts for kids

Brian William Russell (born February 5, 1978) is a former American football player. He played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. Brian played for several teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans.

He started his college football journey at the University of Pennsylvania. Later, he transferred to San Diego State University.

Brian Russell's Early Life and High School Football

Brian Russell grew up playing football in La Puente, California. He went to Bishop Amat High School. His team was very successful, winning the Del Rey League championship three times. They won in 1993, 1994, and 1995.

In his final year of high school, Brian was the team's quarterback. He led them to win the 1995 CIF Division I title. He was named the MVP (Most Valuable Player) at an All-Star Game.

After high school, Brian went to the University of Pennsylvania. He was the first freshman quarterback to start a game for the school. He played in 10 games there. However, Brian wanted to play at a higher level of college football. So, he moved to San Diego State University (SDSU).

Brian Russell's College Football Career

At San Diego State, Brian spent his first year, 1997, as a "redshirt." This means he practiced with the team but did not play in any games. This allowed him to get stronger and learn the team's plays.

In 1998, Brian became the starting quarterback for the SDSU Aztecs. He led them to the Las Vegas Bowl. This was the school's first bowl game in seven years. He also scored five rushing touchdowns that season.

In 1999, Brian made a big change. He switched from playing quarterback to playing safety. This position was a better fit for his athletic skills. He quickly became the starting free safety. In his very first game as a defender, he made 10 tackles.

In his senior year (2000), Brian continued to play well. He made 68 tackles and caught one interception. An interception is when a defensive player catches a pass thrown by the other team's quarterback. For his great play, he was named All-Mountain West Conference.

Brian Russell's Professional Football Career

Brian Russell was not chosen in the 2001 NFL draft. But the Minnesota Vikings still signed him as an "undrafted free agent." This means they signed him even though he wasn't drafted. He spent his first year (2001) practicing with the team.

Playing for the Minnesota Vikings

In 2002, Brian mostly played on "special teams." These are plays like kickoffs and punts. He also started his first game at strong safety. In that game, he made his first NFL interception against the Chicago Bears.

The 2003 season was a breakout year for Brian. He became a full-time starter. He caught an interception in each of the first six games, which was a Vikings team record. He finished the season with nine interceptions. This was tied for the most in the entire NFL that year. He also led his team in tackles with 95.

In 2004, Brian moved to free safety. He started all 16 games for the second year in a row. He made a new career high with 111 tackles. The Vikings won a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. Brian caught his first playoff interception in that game.

Time with the Cleveland Browns

In 2005, Brian joined the Cleveland Browns. The coach wanted him to help make the defense stronger. Brian became a leader on defense. He helped the team have one of the best defenses in the NFL. He started all 16 games again, making 70 tackles and three interceptions.

In 2006, Brian's season was cut short due to an elbow injury. He played in 12 games before being placed on injured reserve. This means he couldn't play for the rest of the season because of his injury.

Playing for the Seattle Seahawks

In 2007, Brian signed with the Seattle Seahawks. The coach wanted Brian to be like the "quarterback of the defense." This meant he would help direct the other defensive players. Brian made 68 tackles and one interception. He started all 16 games for the Seahawks in both 2007 and 2008.

Later Career: Jacksonville and Houston

In 2009, Brian signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was reunited with a coach he had worked with before. He played nine games for the Jaguars before being released.

Later in 2009, Brian was signed by the Houston Texans. His last NFL game was on January 3, 2010. He helped the Texans win that game against the New England Patriots. This win gave the Texans their first winning season ever.

Brian Russell's Personal Life

Brian Russell is married to Leslie. Leslie was also a great athlete. She was an All-American track athlete at San Diego State. She even competed in the 2004 Summer Olympic trials.

After he stopped playing in the NFL, Brian went back to school. He studied business at the University of Washington. Brian and Leslie Russell have four children together.