He played college football at the University of Toledo and signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent in 2016.

In week 3, Russell caught six passes for a career high 152 yards and one touchdown in a 27-15 victory against the Bowling Green Falcons.

Russell caught a game winning touchdown pass from 11 yards out against Bowling Green in the final two minutes of play.

Russell ranks fifth in Rocket's history with 202 catches, fourth in receiving yards with 3,076 and tied for forth with 24 touchdown receptions.

[4][5] After spending the entire season on the practice squad, Russell signed a futures contract with the Bengals on January 2, 2017.