Big Lead Sports Bar

4/16/2009

STEELERS CUT GARY RUSSELL


The Steelers have announced that they've parted ways with the man who scored the first touchdown in Super Bowl 43. After two seasons with the organization, RB Gary Russell was released by the team today.

Russell, who split carries with Patriots RB Laurence Maroney at the University of Minnesota, joined the Steelers as an undrafted free agent in 2007. After seeing limited action as a rookie, Russell was released by the Steelers on September 20, 2008 to make room for LB Patrick Bailey on the active roster, then re-signed three days later. He would end up replacing RB Rashard Mendenhall in the goal-line back role after the first-rounder fell victim to a Baltimore Ravens bounty.

Russell ran for 98 yards on 35 carries last season, with three touchdowns. In the postseason, he ran for two yards on six carries, with two touchdowns. He showed some promise during his time here, but for some reason, the Steelers felt the need to let him go in the middle of April. I'm not really sure why, but as the saying goes, "It is what it is." I'm sure the team will manage quite nicely with Mendenhall, Willie Parker, and Mewelde Moore still in the mix.

Steelers Sign QB Charlie Batch; Release RB Gary Russell [Steelers.com]

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