Leonard Russell (American football)
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| Position: | Running back | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born: | November 17, 1969 Long Beach, California, U.S. | ||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||
| Weight: | 240 lb (109 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school: | Long Beach Polytechnic | ||||||||
| College: | Arizona State | ||||||||
| NFL draft: | 1991 / round: 1 / pick: 14 | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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Leonard James Russell (born November 17, 1969) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for six seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils. Russell was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 1991 NFL draft with the 14th overall pick.[1] He played from 1991 to 1996 for the Patriots, Denver Broncos, St. Louis Rams, and San Diego Chargers.[2]
Professional career
[edit]In 1991, Russell was selected as the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 959 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Patriots.
In 1993, Bill Parcells Bill Parcells took over as head coach, bringing a strong focus on running the football. Russell rushed for 1,088 yards and 7 TDs.[3]
Before the start of the 1994 season, following his best year with New England, he was released after the Patriots traded for Marion Butts, the leading rusher from the Chargers.[4]
Though not always utilized heavily in the passing game, Russell was an effective receiver for a power running back, catching 71.2% of targets during his career.[5]
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | NE | 16 | 266 | 959 | 3.6 | 24 | 4 | 18 | 81 | 4.5 | 18 | 0 |
| 1992 | NE | 11 | 123 | 390 | 3.2 | 23 | 2 | 11 | 24 | 2.2 | 12 | 0 |
| 1993 | NE | 16 | 300 | 1,088 | 3.6 | 21 | 7 | 26 | 245 | 9.4 | 69 | 0 |
| 1994 | DEN | 14 | 190 | 620 | 3.3 | 22 | 9 | 38 | 227 | 6.0 | 19 | 0 |
| 1995 | STL | 13 | 66 | 203 | 3.1 | 18 | 0 | 16 | 89 | 5.6 | 17 | 0 |
| 1996 | SD | 15 | 219 | 713 | 3.3 | 21 | 7 | 13 | 180 | 13.8 | 35 | 1 |
| Career | 85 | 1,164 | 3,973 | 3.4 | 24 | 29 | 122 | 846 | 6.9 | 69 | 1 | |
Post Football
[edit]Leonard is currently the Resident Manager of the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Perris, CA.
Personal life
[edit]Former Indianapolis Colts defensive back Chuckie Miller is his cousin.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "1991 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 7, 2023.
- ^ "Leonard Russell Past Stats, Statistics, History, and Awards - databaseFootball.com". Archived from the original on August 25, 2006. Retrieved October 20, 2006.
- ^ "Leonard Russell Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ Associated Press (April 26, 1994). "NFL TRANSACTIONS : Chargers Unload Leading Rusher Butts for Draft Picks". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 4, 2018.
- ^ "Leonard Russell Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ "Poly Football Honors Its Own With Second Hall Of Fame Ceremony". Long Beach Post. July 13, 2009. Retrieved June 9, 2014.
- 1969 births
- Living people
- American football running backs
- Arizona State Sun Devils football players
- Denver Broncos players
- New England Patriots players
- San Diego Chargers players
- St. Louis Rams players
- National Football League Offensive Rookie of the Year Award winners
- Players of American football from Long Beach, California
- Long Beach Polytechnic High School alumni