Former Trojan Russell released by Packers

Green Bay Packers linebacker Chris Russell (47) during a preseason NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis.

AP Photo/Mike Roemer

By JASON PEEVYHOUSE

Sports Editor

With the 53-man roster deadline coming on Tuesday for teams in the National Football League, former Dyersburg and Texas A&M standout Chris Russell has been released by the Green Bay Packers.

Russell, who was in Dyersburg on Tuesday, visited the Trojan practice as they prepared to take on Lake County this Friday. Now one of only a small handful of local players to sign with an NFL team, Russell talked about his experience with Green Bay this preseason.

“Always learning was part of the experience,” Russell said. “One thing I will take from it is make the best of your opportunities.

“That's what I did and that's what the coaches will say that I did.”

Russell had five tackles in the Packers' preseason finale this past Saturday.

“It's a numbers game,” Russell said of not making the 53-man roster. “It's business and all that.

“I'm just going to try to move forward and to make another roster or making a practice squad.”

The former Mr. Football semifinalist also was quick to point out this is not where his story ends. The plan is to stay ready for the phone call from another football team, as Russell explained.

“When I get that phone call, I'm going to go where they want me to go,” he said. “Other than that, I'm going to keep working out.

“Go back to California and keep training.”