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]
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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: | 235 lb (107 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| High school: | Long Beach Polytechnic | ||||||
| College: | Arizona State | ||||||
| NFL draft: | 1991 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14 | ||||||
| Career history | |||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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Professional career
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
| 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
Leonard is currently the Resident Manager of the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Perris, CA.
Personal life
Former Indianapolis Colts defensive back Chuckie Miller is his cousin.[6]