Andy Russell – NFL Past Players

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The Captain

Andy Russell, one of the most beloved players in Pittsburgh Steelers history, had no plans to pursue professional football after graduating from the University of Missouri in 1962. Instead, he intended to fulfill his ROTC commitment as a U.S. Army officer. That changed when the Steelers selected him in the 16th round of the NFL Draft. After being offered a $3,000 bonus, Russell signed with Pittsburgh and made an immediate impact, starting 11 games as a rook

Following his military service, Russell returned to Pittsburgh in 1966, where he secured a starting role at linebacker—a position he would hold through the 1975 season. A key figure of the Steelers’ defense, he experienced both the franchise’s lowest and highest moments, from the one- and two-win seasons of the late 1960s to back-to-back Super Bowl championships in 1974 and 1975.

When Pittsburgh won their first championship with Super Bowl IX, only five players remained from Chuck Noll’s first roster—Russell among them, alongside running back Rocky Bleier, offensive lineman Sam Davis & Ray Mansfield and punter Bobby Walden.

By the end of his 12-year career, Russell’s accomplishments were substantial: two Super Bowl titles, 162 starts, seven Pro Bowl selections, and a decade as team captain. An inaugural member of the Steelers Hall of Honor, he was named the team’s Defensive MVP in 1968 and 1970, and overall team MVP in 1971.

Image Gallery of Andy Russell, Linebacker 1963, 1966-1976

Mean Joe Greene recovers a fumble against the Eagles in 1974. All in all he had 16 fumbles recovered in his 13-year NFL career. That linebacker Andy Russell in the foreground.

Another pic from the 1967 Browns 21-10 victory over the Steelers. Marv Woodson along with linebacker Andy Russell take down Browns Great Leroy Kelly

Dolphins fullback Larry Csonka runs around linebacker Andy Russell of the Pittsburgh Steelers

Andy Russell Football Cards and Covers

Even though he had been in the league since 1963 Steelers linebacker Andy Russell didn't have a card until 1968 - the season of his first Pro Bowl.

Andy Russel All-Time Career Statistics

Defense & Fumbles Table
Season	Age	Team	#	Pos	Games	Starts	Interceptions				Fumbles		Sacks	Safety
Season	Age	Team	#	Pos	Games	Starts	Interceptions	Yards	Long	TDs	Recoveries	TDs	Sacks	Safety
1963	22	PIT	34	RLB	14	11	3	20	10	0	1	0	2.0	0
1964	23	Did Not Play – Military Service
1965	24	Did Not Play – Military Service
1966	25	PIT	34	RLB	14	14	0	0	0	0	0	0	4.0	0
1967	26	PIT	34	RLB	14	14	3	50	42	0	0	0	2.5	0
1968*	27	PIT	34	RLB	14	14	2	2	2	0	1	0	6.5	0
1969	28	PIT	34	RLB	14	14	2	48	26	0	0	0	5.0	0
1970*	29	PIT	34	RLB	14	14	3	64	37	0	1	0	2.0	0
1971*	30	PIT	34	RLB	14	14	0	0	0	0	2	0	2.0	0
1972*	31	PIT	34	RLB	14	13	0	0	0	0	4	0	1.0	0
1973*	32	PIT	34	RLB	14	14	3	54	45	1	0	0	2.0	0
1974*	33	PIT♚	34	RLB	14	14	1	0	0	0	1	0	5.0	0
1975*	34	PIT♚	34	RLB	14	14	0	0	0	0	0	0	3.0	0
1976	35	PIT	34	RLB	14	12	1	0	0	0	0	0	3.0	0
12 Year NFL Career					168	162	18	238	45	1	10	0	38.0	0

Post Season Defensive Totals
Season	Age	Team	Games	Interceptions				Fumbles			Sacks	Safety
Season	Age	Team	Games	Int	Yards	Long	TDs	Recoveries	Yards	TDs	Sacks	Safety
1972*	31	PIT	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.0	0
1973*	32	PIT	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.0	0
1974*	33	PIT♚	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.0	0
1975*	34	PIT♚	3	0	0	0	0	1	93♦	1♦	1.0	0
1976	35	PIT	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.0	0
Total Career Post Season			11	1	0	0	0	1	93	1	3.0	0