Steelers Sign Russell to Active Roster

The Steelers filled two open roster spots today by signing veteran running backs Najeh Davenport and Gary Russell to one-year contracts. Financial terms of the deals were not released.

Russell, a second-year player who originally made the Steelers roster in 2007 as an undrafted rookie free agent, was with the team for the first two games of the 2008 season before being released Sept. 20. He was added to the Steelers practice squad on Sept. 21 before being promoted today to the active roster.

Russell gained 21 yards on seven carries for the Steelers during his rookie season, but was not active on game day for the team’s first two games in 2008.

Watch out for Russell

Pittsburgh’s acquisition of ex-Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall in the first round of April’s NFL draft was part of the reason why the Steelers recently decided to part ways with fellow runner Najeh Davenport. Further, the offseason pickup of free agent Mewelde Moore made Davenport’s ability to return kicks somewhat obsolete; after all, Moore is also an adept returner and a viable backup option at halfback. Still, there was another reason why Pittsburgh decided to drop Davenport, who rushed for 763 yards and seven touchdowns for the club over the course of two seasons.

That reason? Second-year running back Gary Russell, whom the Steelers didn’t want to part with. Russell has a lack of experience, having garnered just 21 yards on seven carries during his pro career, but the Steelers were impressed during the 2007 preseason with two things: First, Russell’s power; secondly, his willingness to learn. Moreover, they liked the way he finished runs, finished blocks, and generally improved during the course of last season.

Beyond his preseason performance from last summer, however, is the fact that Russell showed the ability to play very well at the highest level of college football; as a sophomore with the Minnesota Gophers, he rushed for 1,130 yards and scored 19 touchdowns. Even more impressive is that he split time with current Patriots running back Laurence Maroney while doing so, adding to the intrigue.

So how did a guy like this not get drafted? Well, that’s the other side of the coin. Simply put, Russell flunked out of school after that great season he had with the Gophers.

“It was me just being lazy, immature,” said the 21-year-old Russell.

Adding to the negative side of things is the fact that the 5-foot-11, 225-pounder showed up at the combine overweight and only ran a 4.7-second 40-yard dash. But the bottom line is that Pittsburgh has seen players with little fanfare turn into stars. Their starting running back, Willie Parker, serves as a prime example of that. And they believe that Russell can be developed into a top-notch back in Parker’s mold.

It’s hard to argue with the Steelers, who have proven over the years that they can find diamonds in the rough.

Gary Russell Helps Bring Smiles to Kid’s Faces

For a while the beeping coming from IV machines and cries of discomfort were drowned out by laughter and joy for kids in a play room at Children’s Hospital as they enjoyed Story Time, with three Steelers players on hand as guest readers.

Running backs Mewelde Moore and Gary Russell and linebacker Anthony Trucks spent time with the kids at the hospital reading and taking part in their craft activities, making masks that the kids can wear and one that Trucks took home himself.

“It’s definitely fun,” said Moore. “Having a nine-month old daughter its fun to be able to come out and speak with children. I love kids. It is really exciting to see their eyes light up when you read to them and talk with them. It was a great time. I had a lot of fun.”

Trucks provided an animated reading of “Alien Al” and Moore captured the kid’s attention while reading “Out of the World Moon Pie Adventure.” While the two read, Russell interacted with the kids, but gave his teammates the thumbs up for story time.

“They are great,” said Russell with a smile about the reading. “I am just here to help out and give them support. It’s great to see the kids. They dream of meeting people so it’s a great opportunity for us to come out and meet the kids and read them books.”

The presence of the players was a pick-me up for many of the kids, some of whom don’t have a lot to smile about while being cooped up in the hospital. For Gaig, a young boy from Meadville, it was just what the doctor ordered.

“When he heard about this he put down the video games and he was ready to go,” said Evelyn Och from the Hospital’s Child Life Department. “He was so excited about it. He has been pretty shy but to get him up and around doing this has been good to see. It really put a smile on his face.”

They kids weren’t the only ones smiling. The players couldn’t help but be in high spirits being around the kids.

“Its fun seeing the different personalities,” said Trucks. “I love giving back. To come out in the community and see the people and put a smile on a kids face is awesome.

“It’s a way to give back. It’s something that nobody likes to experience. But it’s out there and people should give more focus to this type of things. Kids don’t need much; they just need somebody to care for them. If you can give them that it will make their day a little better.”

Source: Steelers.com

Russell Running out of Nowhere

Steelers rookie Gary Russell doesn’t have to look far for hope, that, as an undrafted free agent running back, he can someday be an impact player in the NFL.All he has to do is take a quick look 10 feet across the locker room at Pro Bowler Willie Parker.

“You always have hope,” Russell said. “We came from a similar situation — mine might be a little worse than his — but it always gave me a clear road when I got here to show that I can still do it.”

Russell’s opportunity may come a lot sooner than he or anyone else could have expected.

Full Story: Steelers’ Russell running out of nowhere - [Pittsburgh Tribune Review]