JaMarcus Russell Featured In Sports Illustrated

A story in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated examines why Mobile-native JaMarcus Russell became the biggest draft bust in NFL history

The Oakland Raiders selected the former Williamson High School and LSU quarterback with the number one pick of the 2007 draft and signed him to a $61 million dollar contract. But after going 7-8 as a starter, the Raiders released Russell in 2010.

In a story titled "The Man Who Isn't There," Russell tells Sports Illustrated went through so much that no one knew about, like the death of 11 family members and friends, including uncle and father figure Ray Ray Russell.

"Go to a funeral on Saturday, fly into the game on Sunday. Then I hear, 'He doesn't lead by example.' Really?"

Russell also says he was betrayed by his head coach, Tom Cable.

"I stuck my neck out for him," Russell said. "Didn't complain when he benched me. Didn't complain when he called the same plays five damn times. Didn't badmouth him to other coaches. When the media asks me, I say, 'He's a good coach, a good guy.' Then I hear he says I was the worst thing that ever happened to the Raiders, if it weren't for (me) we'd be in the playoffs."

Russell says he'd like to return to the NFL, but that he's ok if it doesn't happen.

You can read the read the entire article in the October 31 issue of Sports Illustrated.