Leonard Russell (American football)
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Long Beach, California, U.S.
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| Position | Running back | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born | November 17, 1969 Long Beach, California, U.S. | ||||||||
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||
| Listed weight | 240 lb (109 kg) | ||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||
| High school | Long Beach Polytechnic | ||||||||
| College | Arizona State | ||||||||
| NFL draft | 1991: 1st round, 14th overall pick | ||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||
| Awards and highlights | |||||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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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]
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 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]