Brady Russell

BIOGRAPHY

Brady Russell, an American professional football player, was born on August 31, 1998 at Camp Pendleton in California. His position as the tight end for the Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League (NFL) marks a high point in an acclaimed career that began in college football with the Colorado Buffaloes. His journey in football was initially launched by his signing with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

Russell was born into a family steeped in athletics. Both his father, Randy Russell, and uncle, Marc Booth, enjoyed successful careers in football with the Arkansas Razorbacks. His uncle, Matt, also had a prosperous football career with the Colorado Buffaloes, which consequently led to his current role as an executive with the Philadelphia Eagles. Brady’s brothers, Cody and Tyler, also had athletic careers; Cody played football for the Northern Colorado Bears, whereas Tyler ran track at Navy.

The first steps of Brady’s journey in football were taken at Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, Colorado. Interestingly, the young Russell began as a track athlete before transitioning to football, demonstrating his versatile athletic talent. Playing as a defensive end and occasionally as a tight end, his skill set enhanced alongside his growing passion for football. During this period, Brady was twice honored as the team’s MVP during his junior and senior years and went on to achieve first-team All-Front Range League distinctions on defense twice, as well as a second-team selection on offense.

Possessing a two-star recruit status, Russell faced the decision between accepting a scholarship offer from the Football Championship Subdivision Northern Colorado or walking on at Football Bowl Subdivision Colorado. Choosing to walk on, his college football journey began in 2017 as a true freshman at Colorado, where he initially learned to play as an outside linebacker and a tight end. Subsequent affirmation of his talent landed Russell the latter role, while he concurrently managed to secure the Colorado’s 2017 Offensive Scout Player of the Year title.

Russell’s subsequent stint at Colorado further affirmed his talent. Despite many players of his status waiting for up to three years, or never earning a scholarship at all, Russell was awarded a scholarship prior to the regular season in 2018 thanks to his outstanding performance in training camp. During the course of the year, he made a total of five receptions for 41 yards.

The following year saw Russell produce 23 catches for 221 yards, including two touchdowns, a feat which surpassed the catch record of Colorado tight ends from the previous three years. Despite suffering an injury that kept him sidelined from the second game of the following season, Russell was named team captain and completed the year with a record 25 catches for 307 yards. His outstanding performance also earned him a nomination for the Burlsworth Trophy.

Russell’s stay in Colorado ended conclusively in 2022. Despite not making any scores, he nonetheless managed 20 catches for 153 yards, rounding off his career at the school with 78 receptions for 799 yards, including three touchdowns.

Upon exiting college, Russell began his professional career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. Signed as an undrafted free agent, he nevertheless put up an exceptional performance, resulting in his waiver on August 29, 2023, after which he signed to the practice squad once more. Later in the year, on September 20, Russell was signed off the Eagles’ practice squad to join the 53-man roster of the Seattle Seahawks, marking the beginning of his continued professional journey.