On any list of all-time NFL draft busts, 2007 No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell would be at or near the top. Over three seasons with the Oakland Raiders, Russell had a 7-18 record as a starter with 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions over 31 total games.
Now, nine years after entering the league, Russell is looking for another chance in the NFL.
You might see me back. You never know. Whatever it is — I can be a water boy and work my way into a scout team. It doesn’t matter; I could play for free.”
Nine years after being the No. 1 pick, JaMarcus Russell doesn’t ask for sympathy. Premieres 4/26 from @SI_Films.https://t.co/oJVjocBpHL
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 25, 2016
Russell apparently wrote to every team last year in the hopes of getting a tryout, even offering to run the Dallas Cowboys‘ scout team for free. The last speculation about a tryout for Russell came three years ago from the Chicago Bears, but that never actually happened.
The dearth of quarterback talent in the NFL creates desperation for teams at times, but Russell’s last meaningful snap came in 2009 so it’s hard to see him getting a chance. He appears to have control of his weight, which helps, but at 30 years old (31 in August) Russell should probably move forward with his life, without football, once and for all.