One of the biggest busts in draft history has been writing teams in hopes of getting another chance to play in the NFL.
According to Sports Illustrated, quarterback JaMarcus Russell—the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft—is now willing to play “for free for a year” in exchange for one final opportunity.
He wrote this personal letter to the Dallas Cowboys, per SI:
Source: Sports illustrated
Russell wrote a similar letter to all 32 NFL teams.
“I don’t write this letter with any preconceived notions of a huge salary or unseating your current starting quarterback,” Russell wrote. “I am willing to work my way in and up. I am willing to lead the scout team for free for one year just to get experience in your system. I want to learn the playbook, sit under the proper tutelage and learn from your coaching staff.”
Russell is saying all the right things, but he still faces unthinkably long odds on an NFL team ever giving him another spot on a roster. He hasn’t played since 2009—a span of seven years—and his three NFL seasons included a completion percentage of 52.1 and a passer rating of 65.2.
The Oakland Raiders released him in 2010.
“Who is to say? You might see me back. You never know, man. You never know,” Russell said, via SI. “Whatever it is — I can be a water boy and work my way into a scout team. It doesn’t matter. I’ll go play for free.”
Russell attempted a serious comeback in 2013, when he worked out for the Chicago Bears and received interest from the Tennessee Titans. Nothing ever came from either encounter, and Russell eventually faded back into the forcibly retired life of a former NFL player.
Now 30 years old, Russell is throwing the league one final Hail Mary. His attempt is noble, but it will almost certainly fall incomplete. The NFL is done with JaMarcus Russell.
