Chicago Signs Russell to Free Agent Contract
4/28/2013 3:43:00 AM | Football
CHICAGO & COMER, Ga. – The one they call "ManBearPig" may have to alter his nickname a bit after the Chicago Bears signed Brent Russell to a free agent contract Saturday night. Russell becomes the third Eagle to stake his future in the NFL, joining J.J. Wilcox, who was selected as the 80th overall pick (18th of the third round), and Darius Eubanks, who signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Vikings.
A four-time All-American, the 6-2, 300-lb., Russell was the 2011 Southern Conference defensive player of the year as well as a two-time Buck Buchanan Award finalist. He finished as Georgia Southern's all-time sacks leader with 25.0 and was second on the Eagles' career tackles for loss list at 54.5.
"I am honored that a first-class organization like the Bears saw enough in me to offer me a contract," said Brent Russell from his home in Comer, Ga. "I am relieved to finally know what the next part of my life holds and happy to be able to get my foot in the door and try and make an impact in Chicago. I know I have my work cut out for me."
A stalwart on the Georgia Southern defensive line, Russell started in every game in which he played, totaling 53 over his four years. During his career he helped the Eagles reign as one of the most dominant defenses in the nation, as they earned a top-five ranking in rushing defense and top-10 ranking in total defense in 2010.
"The expectations our coaching staff set for our team and helped us set for ourselves forced me to push myself to be better or I would be disappointed in myself," Russell said. "With what we accomplished as a team, and with three players signing with NFL teams, there are big things in the future for Georgia Southern."
Russell is awaiting his itinerary to join the team, but will likely travel to Chicago in the next few weeks.
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