WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

ANDY RUSSELL
Linebacker

1963, 1966-76

Resides in Pittsburgh, Pa.

 

 

 

What is your current job and what does it entail?

A Managing Director of Laurel Mountain Partners, helping the firm manage their various investments, which range from environmental management to high technologies. Also authored two books A Steeler Odyssey and An Odd Steelers Journey and working on the third, Beyond the Goalpost.

 

 

 

What is the fondest memory from your playing career? 
Just making the team my rookie year in 1963.  Why, because our coach, Buddy Parker, didn't like rookies and promised to cut us all.

 

 

What was your best game? 
My last one.

 

 

What did you like most about playing for the Steelers?
I loved the challenge of the game, playing against the best players in the world, combined with the being part of such a special group of players—the teamwork and the bond (tremendous friendships) that resulted from it.

 

 

What teammate were you closest to during your playing days and why? 
Ray Mansfield, who played the same time (1963—1976), was my very best Steelers friend because I admired his toughness, his intelligence and the quality of his character.

 

 

Do you still keep in touch with former teammates?  
Yes, we see each other often, usually at various charitable efforts around the city—from formal dinners to golf tournaments.

 

 

Who is the one player you think should definitely be on the 75^th season team? 

In my opinion Joe Greene was the Player of the Decade (the 70's).

 

 

Do you still follow the Steelers and if so, how closely? 
I am a big fan of the team and go to as many games as I can.

 

 

 

 Visit the Steelers Alumni page for more on the team's former players.