When football fans discuss NFL busts, former Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is one of the first names thrown in. The former No. 1 pick appeared on Fred Taylor’s “The Pivot” podcast to reflect on his playing days, notably speaking on his “bust” status. Russell raised eyebrows by accepting his failure in the NFL but acknowledging that he is the biggest bust of all time.
“I’ll say my s*** didn’t turn out how I wanted it to, or not how they expected it to. But if you’re gonna call me a bust, put ‘the biggest’ on that mother******, man,” Russell said on The Pivot. “If you’re gonna say it, put ‘the biggest’ on that mother******. But that s*** don’t bother me, man.”
The former Raider believes he was dealt an unfair hand during his professional football tenure. He disliked being fined for his weight, how his teammates carried themselves at practice, and expected the worst from the organization each day he reported to team events.
“I wasn’t doing crazy s***. I was trying to chill, relax … and trying to win some football games. Unfortunately, I wasn’t winning. But I was dealt a bull**** hand. I’m at practice, bro, and these folks couldn’t catch a reverse, bro. Six plays straight, but you want to go downfield and catch a 90-yard pass.”
-JaMarcus Russell on his Raider tenure
JaMarcus Russell’s Beginnings
Russell attended LSU and became a full-time starter in his junior year. He led Nick Saban’s program to a 10-2 record and won the Sugar Bowl in 2007. The former Tiger earned All-SEC first team after throwing for 3,129 yards and 28 touchdowns.
At the end of the 2006-07 season, Russell declared for the 2007 NFL draft, forgoing his senior year. He impressed teams with his size and arm strength at the NFL Combine and was predicted to be selected with the first pick. The Oakland (now Las Vegas) Raiders owned the No. 1 pick.
Although former Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin preferred the franchise to draft wide receiver, Calvin Johnson, Oakland drafted Russell.
JaMarcus Russell was chosen before some NFL greats such as Johnson, Adrian Peterson, Darrelle Revis, and Joe Thomas.
The Downfall of JaMarcus Russell
The Raiders and Russell could not agree on a deal, resulting in their rookie QB holding out until after Week 1. Both sides agreed to a six-year, $61 million, with a record $32 million guaranteed.
Russell’s rookie campaign was not impressive, constantly turning the ball over in each game he played. He became the starting QB going into his sophomore year in the NFL but showed up to camp out of shape. The Raiders’ signal-caller continuously missed workouts and team meetings. The Raiders needed to bribe Russell with McDonald’s to attend film study.
In 2009, Russell remained the starting QB in his third season. His final NFL season was atrocious, finishing last among starters in completion percentage, yards, and passing touchdowns.
Former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell on his NFL career
(via @thepivot) pic.twitter.com/WtfdNY0Ngo
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 12, 2022
The End of JaMarcus Russell
In the offseason, the Raiders acquired field general Jason Campbell from Washington, leaving Oakland with five QBs on their roster. The organization gave Russell a video to study and return with feedback on the films. The tape Russell received was blank tapes. The Raiders cut Russell after three years, and never suited up for a franchise again.
Sources revealed that the former QB tested positive for codeine before the draft and went to casinos on an everyday basis. The Raiders knew this and still drafted him. In 2010, Russell was arrested for drug possession. He attempted numerous comebacks and worked out with multiple teams, but never got a contract offered to him.
All These Years Later
The league established rookie cap limits because of JaMarcus Russell’s absurd contract. His lack of work ethic and incapability to remain in shape hindered his outcomes on the field. Russell went from displaying one of the greatest combines experts have seen, to being one of the NFL’s most notorious busts.
As the years flew by, it appears that Russell found a positive look on such a negative appearance. He wants the title as the “biggest” bust to step foot on the gridiron.