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PITTSBURGH -- Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Andy Russell, a two-time Super Bowl champion, died at 82 on Thursday night, according to many media outlets.
Russell formed a formidable linebacking trio with Jack Ham and Jack Lambert that helped the Steelers win Super Bowls IX and X. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection (1968 and 1970-75) in 12 NFL seasons.
Russell collected 38 sacks, 18 interceptions, 10 fumble recoveries and one touchdown in 168 games played during his 12-year NFL career.
He never missed a game due to injury in his career, dating back to high school, and is a member of both the Steelers' 50th and 75th anniversary teams. He served as team captain for 10 seasons for the Steelers and was named the team's MVP in 1971.
A Detroit native, Russell is also a member of both the Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor and the Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The Steelers drafted him in 1963 with pick 220 in the 16th round. He was one of the few Steelers on the 1970s Super Bowl teams to be with the club before coach Chuck Noll arrived in 1969.
Russell missed the 1964 and 1965 seasons to serve in the military. He also graduated with a BS and MBA in economics from Missouri.
On Dec. 27, 1975, Russell set the NFL playoff record for the longest fumble return from scrimmage -- 93 yards -- in a win over the Baltimore Colts at Three Rivers Stadium. His record stood for 48 years, until 2023.