Many who scoffed at the frequent reports of former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell's comeback attempt may need to stifle their sniggering as photos of Russell's new physique have surfaced.
For a photo of Russell's shocking slimmed down photo click here.
Russell, known as one of the biggest, if not the biggest, draft disasters in NFL history has shed 51 pounds, and is clearly serious about gaining re-entry into the league. Of Russell's many issues, his weight was one of the biggest. His bulky frame reduced his speed and elusiveness, and cut a figure of him as an entitled prospect not willing to work on his craft.
In three woeful years with Oakland, Russell completed just 52 percent of the 680 passes he attempted, and threw five more interceptions (23) than he did touchdowns (18). Despite his massive frame, Russell was also ineffective as a rusher, picking up just one touchdown and fumbling 25 times, which works out to nearly a fumble a game.
In addition to his shoddy play, Russell was also dogged during his time with the Raiders by rumors of constant drug use, specifically the frequent drinking of codeine syrup.
In 2010, suspicions were confirmed when he was arrested and booked on charges of possession of a controlled substance, the aforementioned codeine. At the time Mobile County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Lori Myles told ESPN, We understand that typically sometimes this codeine syrup is mixed with a beverage, like Sprite, and they call it sip-sip."
Russell recently worked out for the Chicago Bears, and although they decided against bringing him on board, if he continues to progress in a positive direction he will likely get a shot somewhere. Several teams in the NFL have uncertain quarterback situations, including the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills.
In the case of Arizona, they have another former Raider, Carson Palmer likely entrenched, but there is no established backup behind him. With the Jets and Bills, they are deciding between unproven, and likely not-ready rookie passers Geno Smith and E.J. Manuel, or underwhelming veteran options, Mark Sanchez and Kevin Kolb.
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