Andy Russell
1941-2024
Steelers All-Time great Andy Russell died last week at the age of 82.
Russell began his career with the Steelers in the bad old days, the era of the Same Old Steelers, who were never any good, and you probably have to be as old as I am to remember those days. When Chuck Noll became head coach, he told that group of 1969 Steelers that one day "we're going to be good, but when that day comes, most of you won't be here anymore." Linebacker Russell and his buddy Ray Mansfield survived Noll's transformation of the team, and both of them went on to become important leaders on Super Bowl championship teams. After a storied career with the Steelers, Russell became a successful businessman in Pittsburgh and his work with local charities was exemplary.
In the tributes to Russell following his death last week, one constant alway mentioned was Russell's intelligence, on and off the field, and his leadership. He also played 168 NFL games and never missed a game due to injury. Honors followed him....four time All-Pro, seven Pro Bowls, Steelers MVP in 1971, two time Super Bowl Champion, and member of the Steelers Hall of Honor. In a 1965 playoff game against the Colts at Three Rivers Stadium, he returned a recovered fumble 93 yards for a touchdown, an NFL Playoff Game record that stood until 2022. (I saw it; I was there!) The other two linebackers on this teams were Hall of Famers Jack Ham and Jack Lambert. A case could surely be made for Russell's bust to be displayed in Canton, but like a couple of his teammates, he is no doubt the victim of "Too Many Steelers Syndrome" among the HOF electors.
RIP Andy Russell, one of the Best!
Mel Blount, Russell, Joe Greene, Jack Ham
Three Hall of Famers and one Should-Be
Steelers Hall of Honor Introduction
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