After a good rookie year, Russell had ROTC commitments from college, and he missed the next two seasons. The Linebacker returned in 1966, and he went to his first Pro Bowl in 1968, but it was in the 1970s when Russell came into his own.
Russell went to six straight Pro Bowls from 1970 to 1975, and as the Steelers drafted elite defensive talent, Russell became the elder statesman of what was the "Steel Curtain." As a more than capable veteran, Russell was a big part of their first two Super Bowl Titles (IX & X), and his 18 Interceptions was a good number for a Linebacker.
He retired after the 1976 Season and was part of the Steelers' first Hall of Honor Class in 2017.
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