JaMarcus Russell is considered one of the biggest busts in NFL history, but the former No. 1 overall pick is hoping to change that.
According to Yahoo! Sports’ Kristian Dyer, Russell is planning to attempt an NFL comeback.
The former Oakland Raiders quarterback reportedly plans to work out with TEST Football Academy the next few months in hopes of getting another shot in the NFL. Russell is down to 308 from 320 pounds thanks to some cardiovascular training. He’s hoping to lose even more weight as he attempts a comeback (he was listed at 265 pounds when he played).
Russell sounds motivated and like he wants to change the perception of him.
“My first year out, I couldn’t watch football but after a while, I couldn’t keep the TV off. I got that itchy feeling but now I gotta watch it, gotta watch,” Russell told Yahoo! Sports.
“The last few years, the things going through my life, football is my job and it is how it feeds my family. People would say [that] I didn’t love the game but that pisses me off. People don’t know the real you but I want people to know the real me and see what I can do. People are always saying that I’m a bust. I want to show them I’m not. I’m committed to this now.”
Russell was drafted No. 1 overall by the Raiders in 2007. He went 7-18 as a starter and threw for 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions over three seasons. The Raiders released him in April 2010 and he had tryouts with the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins. Neither led to a job.
Russell indicates that being out of football feels odd for him.
“I’m not looking for a pat on the shoulder from people who haven’t been there for me,” Russell said. “It feels funny not to go through a training camp, that’s just what I’m used to. It’s going to feel good to go back out there again. I will make this happen.”
Russell had some legal problems after he was released by the Raiders. He was arrested for codeine possession without a prescription in July 2010. His life coach at the time, John Lucas, gave up on him after the arrest. In recent years, Russell said sleep apnea and bad coaching contributed to his struggles with the Raiders.
