Leonard James Russell (born November 17, 1969) is a former professional American football player who was selected by the New England Patriots in the 1st round (14th overall) of the 1991 NFL Draft. A 6'2", 235-lb. running back from Arizona State University, Russell played in 6 NFL seasons from 1991 to 1996 for the Patriots, the Denver Broncos, the St. Louis Rams, and the San Diego Chargers.[1]
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Position: | Running back | ||||||
Personal information | |||||||
Born: | (1969-11-17) November 17, 1969 (age 52) Long Beach, California | ||||||
Career information | |||||||
High school: | Long Beach Polytechnic (Long Beach, California) | ||||||
College: | Arizona State | ||||||
NFL Draft: | 1991 / Round: 1 / Pick: 14 | ||||||
Career history | |||||||
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Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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Player stats at NFL.com | |||||||
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 Bill Parcells took over as head coach, bringing a strong focus on running the football. Russell rushed for 1,088 yards and 7 TDs.[2]
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.[3]
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.[4]
Year | Team | GP | Att | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD | Rec | Yds | Avg | Lng | TD |
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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 |
Leonard is currently the Resident Manager of the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Perris, CA.
Former Indianapolis Colts defensive back Chuckie Miller is his cousin.[5]
New England Patriots first-round draft picks | |
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Formerly the Boston Patriots (1960–1970) | |
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New England Patriots All-1990s Team | |
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New England Patriots 1991 NFL draft selections | |
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Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award winners | |
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