Let’s get something straight. I celebrated when the Raiders drafted Russell. I screamed obscenities at Lane Kiffin when he refused to let JaMarcus take the field when the team had nothing to play for. I hung my hopes on every brief glimpse of brilliance Russell flashed which was not often.

I’m not a Russell hater. I just take issue with anybody who disrespects the Silver and Black. If that makes me a Russell hater then I’ll just continue to hate on.

What Russell fails to comprehend to this day is what he never understood in the NFL.

Being a quarterback means being a leader no matter what.

A leader takes the blame even when it is not their fault. A leader sets the example for the entire team to follow. A leader does whatever it takes to accomplish their goals including sacrificing for the betterment of those around them.

To be sure there is no way you can blame Russell for all of Oakland’s woes during his brief tenure in the East Bay. Al Davis shares blame for the uncertain coaching situation he pushed a young QB into. Lane Kiffin takes blame for not being a man and just making the most of the hand he was dealt. The team as a whole shares blame for not holding their supposed leader accountable.

But none of that accounts for Russell’s complete lack of interest in putting in the work necessary to be the best. None of that excuses JaMarcus for balking at the idea of taking a pay cut. Tom Brady took less cash so his team could improve. That’s what a leader does.

A leader doesn’t deflect blame. He takes it publicly and then takes it out on his team privately. But to do that you’d have to already be setting the example.
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