Former Pittsburgh Steelers Andy Russell, who won two Super Bowls with the NFL franchise, has died at the age of 82, it has been announced.
Local media outlet Action News 4 in Pittsburgh reported Russell had died on Thursday, although the events that led to his passing and cause of death remains unknown.
Russell played college football at Missouri before being drafted by the Steelers in the 16th round of the NFL Draft in 1963. That turned out to be a superb piece of recruitment, as Russell went on to become a staple in the defensive line.
He was a member of the famous ‘Steel Curtain’ defensve in 1975 and was renowned for being an ever-present figure in the team, playing all 14 games in every year he represented the Steelers.
In addition to winning two Super Bowls, Russell was a seven-time Pro Bowler. He also held the record for the longest fumble return touchdown in NFL postseason history for 47 years, with a 93-yard effort in 1975 AFC Divisional game.
It was the longest fumble return in NFL postseason history before the Cincinnati Bengals’ Sam Hubbard surpassed his effort with a 98-yard return against the Baltimore Ravens in a 2023 wild-card game.
It proved to be crucial in deciding their fate, as the Steelers went on to eventually win the Super Bowl that season, beating Dallas 21-17.
An everlasting legacy
Russell finished his career with 18 interceptions, including a pick-six, ten fumble recoveries, and 38 sacks, starting in 162 of the 168 games he played.
The Steelers named him to their All-Time Team and inducted him into their Hall of Honor after he spent all 12 of his NFL seasons in Pittsburgh.
The franchise are yet to address the news of his death on social media, while the NFL are also yet to issue a statement.