Brian Russell facts for kids

Brian William Russell (born February 5, 1978) is an American former professional football player. He played as a safety in the National Football League (NFL). Brian played for nine seasons, from 2001 to 2009.

He started his NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings in 2001. Later, he also played for the Cleveland Browns, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Houston Texans. Before joining the NFL, Brian played college football at the University of Pennsylvania and San Diego State University.

Brian Russell's Early Life and High School Football

Brian Russell grew up in La Puente, California. He played football at Bishop Amat High School. His team was very successful, winning the Del Rey League championship three years in a row. They won in 1993, 1994, and 1995.

As a senior, Brian was the team's quarterback. He led them to win the 1995 CIF Division I title. He was also named the MVP (Most Valuable Player) at an All-Star Game.

College Football Journey

After high school, Brian went to the University of Pennsylvania in 1996. He made history there as the first freshman quarterback to start a game for the school. He played in 10 games, starting two of them.

Brian completed 27 passes for 320 yards and scored four touchdowns. However, he wanted to play at a higher level of college football. So, he accepted a scholarship to San Diego State University (SDSU).

Brian Russell's College Career at San Diego State

Brian took a "redshirt" year in 1997. This meant he practiced with the team but did not play in games. In 1998, he became the starting quarterback for San Diego State. He led the team to the Las Vegas Bowl. This was their first bowl game in seven years.

Brian also showed his running skills, scoring five rushing touchdowns that season. This was the most by an SDSU quarterback since 1981.

Switching Positions in College

In 1999, Brian started the year as quarterback. But his coaches asked him to switch to safety. They believed his athletic skills were a better fit for this defensive position. Brian quickly became the starting free safety.

In his very first game as a defender, he made 10 tackles. In his senior year (2000), he continued to play well. He made 68 tackles and intercepted one pass. For his great performance, he was named All-Mountain West Conference.

Brian Russell's Professional Football Career

Playing for the Minnesota Vikings

After college, Brian Russell was not chosen in the 2001 NFL draft. However, the Minnesota Vikings signed him as an undrafted free agent. He spent his first year (2001) on the team's practice squad.

In 2002, Brian mostly played on special teams. But he also got some chances to play strong safety. He made his first career interception in a game against the Chicago Bears.

A Standout Season in 2003

In 2003, Brian became a full-time starter for the Vikings. He had an amazing season. He intercepted a pass in each of the first six games. This set a new record for the Vikings.

He finished the season with nine interceptions. This was tied for the most in the entire NFL that year. He also led his team with 95 tackles. His best game was against the Kansas City Chiefs. In that game, he had three takeaways (two interceptions and one fumble recovery).

In 2004, Brian moved to free safety. He started all 16 games for the second year in a row. He made 111 tackles, which was a new personal best. The Vikings won a playoff game against the Green Bay Packers. Brian made 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 strengthen their young defense. Brian quickly became a leader for the team's defense. That year, the Browns' defense was very good. They allowed the second-fewest passing yards in the NFL.

Brian started all 16 games for the third straight season. He made 70 tackles and had three interceptions. In 2006, his season was cut short due to an elbow injury. He played in 12 games before being placed on injured reserve.

Joining the Seattle Seahawks

In 2007, Brian signed with the Seattle Seahawks. The head coach wanted Brian to be the "quarterback of the defense." This meant he would help direct the other defensive players.

Brian made 68 tackles and had one interception in 2007. The Seahawks' defense allowed the fewest touchdown passes in their team's history that year. Brian started all 16 games again in 2008. This was the fifth time in his career he started every game. He was released by the Seahawks in September 2009.

Short Stays with Jacksonville and Houston

Brian signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars on September 8, 2009. He was reunited with a coach he had worked with before. However, he was released by the Jaguars in November.

A few days later, Brian was signed by the Houston Texans. His last NFL game was on January 3, 2010. In that game, he helped the Texans win 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 Russell. Leslie was also a talented athlete. She was an All-American track athlete at San Diego State. She even competed in the 2004 Summer Olympic trials.

After retiring from the NFL, Brian went back to school. He studied at the University of Washington Foster School of Business. He earned a master's degree in business administration. Brian and Leslie Russell have four children together.