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Detroit Fury Coach Returns to Playing Field in 2004

December 11, 2003 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Detroit Fury News Release


AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -The Detroit Fury of the Arena Football League signed former WR/DB coach Jeff Russell to their 37-man training camp roster. Russell, a wide receiver and defensive back (WR/DB) will become the first coach in Fury history to return to the playing field.

Russell returns after suffering an ACL injury in the XFL Championship game in 2001. Prior to joining the Fury staff, Russell spent 2002 as a member of the Tennessee Titans coaching staff.

Russell is a six-year veteran of the AFL. Over his AFL career, Russell played with the Memphis Pharaohs, Nashville Kats, New York CityHawks and San Jose SaberCats. He has also played under current Fury General Manager Al Luginbill as a member of the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe (1997) and as a member of Luginbill's Los Angeles Xtreme of the XFL (2001).

"Jeff just feels he's not done playing yet," said Fury Head Coach Tom Luginbill. "We are going to give him a chance to see if he is back to his old form. We have a very productive history with him, and we want to give him the opportunity to prove he still belongs. We are looking forward to training camp and seeing how he performs."

As a WR/DB in the AFL, Russell has caught 113 passes for 1,252 yards and 17 touchdowns over his career, as well as making 113.0 tackles, three interceptions and seven pass deflections on defense.

Russell was a four-year player at the University of Pacific and as a senior, he led his school to a Big West Conference Title and its first winning season in 17 years. He was also named to the All-Big West team in 1994.

The Fury will return for their fourth season of Arena Football League action at The Palace of Auburn Hills on February, 5 2004, when they face off against the San Jose SaberCats, and the Fury open training camp on Monday, January 12, 2004. Season tickets for the Fury can be purchased by calling (248) 377-0100, and additional information can be found at www.detroitfury.com.

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