Rusty Russell (tackle) facts for kids
| No. 79, 77 | |||
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| Position: | Offensive tackle | ||
| Personal information | |||
| Born: | August 16, 1963 Orangeburg, South Carolina, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | ||
| Weight: | 295 lb (134 kg) | ||
| Career information | |||
| High school: | Wilkinson (Orangeburg) | ||
| College: | South Carolina | ||
| NFL Draft: | 1984 / Round: 3 / Pick: 60 | ||
| Career history | |||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||
| Player stats at ArenaFan.com | |||
William "Rusty" Russell (born August 16, 1963) is a former American football player. He played as a tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles in the National Football League (NFL). The Eagles chose him in the third round of the 1984 NFL draft. Before that, he played college football at the University of South Carolina. Russell also played in the Arena Football League (AFL).
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Rusty Russell's Early Life and College Years
William Russell was born on August 16, 1963. His hometown is Orangeburg, South Carolina. He went to Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in Orangeburg.
Russell played college football for the South Carolina Gamecocks. He was part of the team at the University of South Carolina from 1980 to 1983.
Rusty Russell's Professional Football Career
Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles picked Rusty Russell in the third round of the 1984 NFL draft. He was the 60th player chosen overall. He officially joined the Eagles on June 19, 1984.
Russell played in one game for the Eagles during the 1984 season. He was later released by the team in August 1985.
Time with the Los Angeles Raiders
Russell signed a contract with the Los Angeles Raiders in November 1985. He was placed on injured reserve in August 1986. This meant he missed the entire 1986 season due to injury. The Raiders released him in September 1987.
Playing in the Arena Football League
Russell then moved to the Arena Football League (AFL). He played 50 games for the Orlando Predators from 1991 to 1995. In the AFL, players often played both offense and defense. This was because of the league's "ironman rules." In 1994, he was named second-team All-Arena, which is a big honor.
In 1996, Russell played all 14 games for the Charlotte Rage in the AFL. Before the 1997 AFL season, he signed with the Florida Bobcats. He played in 12 games for the Bobcats that year.
Russell finished his AFL career having played 77 games. He had 52 solo tackles, 13 assisted tackles, and 7.5 sacks. He also had one interception, 18 pass breakups, three fumble recoveries, and blocked five kicks.
