Former Steelers linebacker Andy Russell dies at the age of 82

Andy Russell (YouTube)

According to the Associated Press on Monday, former Pittsburgh Steelers Andy Russell of Detroit, Michigan passed away on Thursday at the age of 82. Russell played 12 seasons with the Steelers from 1963 to 1976. He missed the 1964 season due to military service.

While with the Steelers, Russell was selected to seven Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowls. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975. Russell’s Super Bowl titles with the Steelers came in 1975 and 1976. In 1975 in Super Bowl IX, the Steelers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 16-6, and in 1976 in Super Bowl X, the Steelers beat the Dallas Cowboys 21-17.

In 168 games, Russell had 18 interceptions for 238 yards and one touchdown. He also had 10 fumble recoveries for five yards and 38 sacks. Russell’s pick six for 45 yards came in a 36-7 Steelers win over the Houston Oilers on September 30, 1973.

In the NFL playoffs, Russell played in 11 games. He had one interception, three sacks and one fumble recovery. The interception came in a 13-7 Steelers win over the Oakland Raiders in the American Football Conference Divisional Round on December 30, 1972. The fumble recovery came in a 28-10 Steelers win over the Baltimore Colts on December 27, 1975. The fumble recovery was historic as it was 93 yards, the longest fumble return for a touchdown in NFL playoff history.

Russell follows Steelers iconic running back Franco Harris of Fort Dix, New Jersey who passed away on December 20, 2022. The cause of Russell’s death has not been given at this time.

At the collegiate level, Russell played for the University of Missouri. While with the Tigers, he received his Masters Degree in Economics. Russell was the Steelers’s 16th round pick in the 1963 NFL Draft.