Jamarcus Russell wants to make a comeback
Posted by Curtis Crabtree on January 23, 2013, 2:45 AM EST
Jamarcus Russell Getty Images
Former Oakland Raiders quarterback Jamarcus Russell is hoping to make a return to the NFL.
Seriously.
Despite still weighing 308 pounds, the former first round pick believes he can make a return to the league. Russell has been working out for the last six weeks in an attempt to get back in shape and return to the football field for the first time since 2009.
According to Yahoo! Sports, Russell will be training with Brian Martin of TEST Football Academy and TEST West and be mentored by former NFL and LSU wide receiver Mike Clayton.
Russell is also expected to get specific training from a handful of former NFL players, including Jeff Garcia and Marshall Faulk, hoping to help restore Russell’s football career.
Russell still has a long way to go before any team will even consider giving him a look. Even if he’s able to get back into something close to playing shape, he’ll have to convince a team to give him a workout. He’ll have to answer questions about his arrest for having codeine syrup with a prescription in 2010 and convince someone he’s worth a chance.
But you can’t blame Russell trying to revitalize his career, even if he’s unsuccessful.
“I’m not looking for a pat on the shoulder from people who haven’t been there for me,” Russell said. “It feels funny not to go through a training camp, that’s just what I’m used to. It’s going to feel good to go back out there again. I will make this happen.”