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| Position | Running back | ||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||
| Born | (1969-11-17)November 17, 1969 (age 56) Long Beach, California, U.S. | ||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||
| 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 | |||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||
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Leonard James Russell (born November 17, 1969) is an American former professionalfootball player who was arunning back for six seasons in theNational Football League (NFL). He playedcollege football for theArizona State Sun Devils. Russell was selected by theNew England Patriots in the first round of the1991 NFL draft with the 14th overall pick.[1] He played from 1991 to 1996 for the Patriots,Denver Broncos,St. Louis Rams, andSan Diego Chargers.[2]
In 1991, Russell was selected as theAPOffensive Rookie of the Year after rushing for 959 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Patriots.
In 1993, Bill ParcellsBill 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 forMarion 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]
| Year | Team | GP | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | NE | 16 | 266 | 959 | 3.6 | 24 | 4 | 18 | 81 | 4.5 | 18 | 0 |
| 1992 | NE | 11 | 123 | 390 | 3.2 | 23 | 2 | 11 | 24 | 2.2 | 12 | 0 |
| 1993 | NE | 16 | 300 | 1,088 | 3.6 | 21 | 7 | 26 | 245 | 9.4 | 69 | 0 |
| 1994 | DEN | 14 | 190 | 620 | 3.3 | 22 | 9 | 38 | 227 | 6.0 | 19 | 0 |
| 1995 | STL | 13 | 66 | 203 | 3.1 | 18 | 0 | 16 | 89 | 5.6 | 17 | 0 |
| 1996 | SD | 15 | 219 | 713 | 3.3 | 21 | 7 | 13 | 180 | 13.8 | 35 | 1 |
| Career | 85 | 1,164 | 3,973 | 3.4 | 24 | 29 | 122 | 846 | 6.9 | 69 | 1 | |
FormerIndianapolis Coltsdefensive backChuckie Miller is his cousin.[6]