The Pittsburgh Steelers have a long history of incredible rosters. The teams in the 1970s boasted some of the best in the history of the NFL. Big names like Terry Bradshaw, Mean "Joe" Greene, Jack Ham and Franco Harris will always be mentioned, but other stars deserve their flowers too. Sadly, former Steeler and two-time Super Bowl champion, Andy Russell, has passed away at the age of 82, according to WTAE-TV.
Philip G. Pavely / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers legends Dick Hoak and Andy Russell stand on the field in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers' Andy Russell Had Great 12-Year NFL Career
Russell spent his entire 12-year NFL career with the Steelers. The linebacker started 162 games for the franchise and was elected to seven Pro Bowls. On top of that, he was a big part of the defenses that helped the franchise win Super Bowls during the 1974 and 1975 seasons. He was a Second Team All-Pro in the 1972 season when he had four fumble recoveries and a sack (sacks prior to 1982 are not recognized as official). He also had 18 career interceptions.
The former linebacker was a team captain for 10 seasons and named the organization's third ever Team MVP in 1971. Playing alongside greats such as Ham and Jack Lambert may have led to Russell being overshadowed, but he will always be appreciated in Pittsburgh for his efforts on and off the field. The trio of linebackers helped the Steelers to lead the NFL in defense for several years. The group is one of the main reasons for first two Super Bowl wins in franchise history.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers legends "Mean" Joe Greene, Andy Russell, Lynn Swann and Mel Blount sit next to one another.
Russell was also a hero for the United States. Per his foundation's website, the linebacker took a break from football in the 1964 and 1965 seasons to serve as a Lieutenant in the Army.
"Andy Russell played his rookie year for the Pittsburgh Steelers as a linebacker in 1963. During 1964 to 1965, Andy was deployed to Germany to serve in the Army as a Lieutenant. He returned to play for the Steelers from 1966 to 1976. Andy graduated from the University of Missouri with a BS in Economics and an MBA."
Steeler Nation was saddened to learn about the death of Harris in December of 2022, and the recent news about Russell is just as hard to hear about. Some of the best moments in the franchise's history occurred with Russell on the roster. Russell retired after the 1976 season and never wore a different colored jersey other than the black and gold.
George Gojkovich / Getty Images
Steelers linebacker Andy Russell (34) goes to make a tackle with a plethora of other Pittsburgh defenders in an professional football game.
Russell recently had an absurd record of his broken in 2023 when Cincinnati Bengals' defender Sam Hubbard had a 98-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the playoffs. Russell's previous record of 93 yards remained for 48 years.
Longest fumble return TDs - #NFLPlayoff history:
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) January 16, 2023
98- @Bengals Sam Hubbard (Tonight in a 24-17 #WildCard win vs the Ravens)
93- PIT's Andy Russell (1975 vs the Baltimore Colts)
79- DEN's Neil Smith (1998 vs MIA)
60- BLC's Mike Curtis (1968 vs MIN)
60- TB's Hugh Green (1982 vs DAL) pic.twitter.com/HgE1bm3iE7
It's disappointing that Russell did not find his way into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he was inducted to the Steelers Hall of Honor in 2017. He wasn't just a hero for Pittsburgh, but his service to the United States of America will never go unrecognized. His work with his charitable foundation is also a part of his legacy that he has left behind and it will certainly be remembered forever in the city of Pittsburgh.
Per his foundation's site, he is survived by his wife, two children, as well as seven grandchildren. Rest in Peace to a Pittsburgh and Steelers' legend.
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