Andy Russell

Just reading this news of Andy´s passing: I knew of this phenomenal athlete through watching the Steelers. But I had the opportunity to meet him, talk often and also speak with his wife while working for Alco Parking in the garage where they both parked. ANDY was a consummate professional and a fun guy to be around. I will cherish my time spent in conversation and his legacy of being an unbelievably friendly, funny, hardworking and someone who cared about others. I´m blessed to have known this rare and genuinely wonderful man. Cherishing his memories!

I was not aware of Andy's death until I just saw it published in the "Mizzou" magazine of the alumni association. I was a member of the Maplewood Richmond Heights high school football team and played against Ladue in 1959 - Andy played for Ladue during that game. After high school I attended Missouri University and was on the Missouri freshman team with Andy. I have also recently learned of Bill Tobin's death who was also a team mate with Andy at Missouri. Sad to hear of this and my sincere condolences.

Neal Wetzel
Colleyville Texas

To the Russell family. I met Mr Russell in NYC, LaGuardia airport in September 2006. I was on my way back to Pittsburgh from Italy with my mother who was severely ill with cancer. From the time I met him explaining I was a fan favorite of his, to our 20 minute conversation to exiting the airplane. Mr Russell was an Absolute Gentleman and wonderful person!!!! He asked about my mother's condition and expressed his sorry with great sincerity! After we landed, I waited for all the passengers to exit before my mother and I to get off. Mr Russell being the wonderful human being who he was, waited for me and offered to help me and wished us the very best of luck!! I will never forget him and tell this story over and over to Steeler fans that I meet. God bless him and your family. Leo Rubino

Condolences to the Russell family

I was so very sorry to learn that Andy had died. We were fraternity brothers at Mizzou, and when I walked on the football team as a junior he and I were roommates in a house we shared with two other players. We got to spend quite a bit of time together, and I early on learned he was both very smart and generous, and had some great stories to tell. We lost contact with one another after graduation and his wedding, but I followed his career as a Steeler with great pleasure and am hoping he finds a much deserved place in the NFL Hall of Fame. He had a remarkable life, and I offer my sincere condolences to his family. May they find strength as they grieve his loss and peace in the many wonderful memories they will carry with them.

I am so sorry about the loss of Andy who was a phenomenal football player. The Russell family has my deepest condolences and I pray that you will be surrounded continuously with love and support. As you go through this difficult time, may Almighty God give you "everlasting comfort" (2 Thess. 2:16).

Another great, who played on that nonpareil '70 Steelers defense.

Andy was a "carry over" from a leaner period in Steeler history, as the newly hired Chuck Noll and his staff recognized Andy's abilities/greatness. Andy retained his spot as a starter, and went on to make valuable contributions to a dynasty! Those contributions should have earned Andy rightful induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, long ago.

Rest in peace, Andy. You represented the pinnacle on the field of play, and numerous accounts have revealed that you also demonstrated equally noble character in the other aspects of your admirable life.