Russell, Andy

Card: Action Packed Whizzer White Award 1991
Acquired: TTM 2019, C/o Home
Sent: 7/3 Received: 7/22 (19 days)

Andy Russell played 14 seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers at linebacker from 1963-1976. A 7 time Pro Bowler, he was a member of the Steelers first two Super Bowl Championships.

Originally a home grown product out of Missouri, Andy chose to play for the Tigers, There he was known more for his rushing prowess than his ability to tackle players in the backfield. He ran for 662 yards on 172 carries and scored 3 TDs over three years from 1960-1962. At the time Russell was a two way player and also played linebacker, and most notably recording an interception for a TD in a 10-0 victory over the Sooners in ’61.

Andy was drafted by the Steelers to play linebacker in 1963. He’d garner all-rookie honors for his first season. He’d join the military in 1964 and serve through 1965 before returning to the team and playing through some truly terrible years with the franchise. Russell though persevered, and eventually head coach Chuck Noll built a nucleus of players around Andy, which eventually became known as ‘The Steel Curtain’. He’d be a stalwart bulwark for the Steelers, playing for the team the next 11 seasons.

Andy was unusually durable and reliable for a player of that era and never missed a game in 168 regular season contests. Andy is also the only player in NFL history to be named to 6 consecutive Pro Bowls (1970-1975). He earned the Whizzer White Award in 1973, was a team captain for 10 consecutive seasons, was named team MVP 3 times, won two Super Bowls, and has earned numerous awards and nominations from Missouri and is a member of the Steelers All-Time Team.

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