JaMarcus Russell says he would play for free for another shot
JaMarcus Russell apparently still wants to have a do-over in the NFL.
Dissatisfied with being labeled one of the biggest busts in NFL Draft history, Russell, a former No. 1 overall pick, seemingly would be willing to do anything for another shot.
In a video interview with SI Films that will be published in full on Tuesday, Russell says he would even be a water boy to get a shot.
Nine years after being the No. 1 pick, JaMarcus Russell doesn't ask for sympathy. Premieres 4/26 from @SI_Films.https://t.co/oJVjocBpHL
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 25, 2016
“You might see me back. You never know. Whatever it is — I can be a water boy and work my way into a scout team. It doesn’t matter; I could play for free.”
The teaser clip promoted by SI on Monday indicates Russell wrote all NFL teams last year in hopes of getting a tryout without compensation. AL.com says Russell even offered to Jerry Jones to run the Cowboys’ scout team for free just to gain experience in the team’s system.
Russell last took a snap in an NFL game in 2009 after being the first overall pick by the Raiders in 2007. He supposedly is not in football shape but has not let himself go. As of late 2013, he supposedly was looking like an offensive lineman.
Now 30 years old, Russell’s NFL chances of playing in the NFL are long behind him. The last talk of Russell in the NFL came three years ago when the Bears were planning to give him a tryout that never materialized.