He played college football at Colorado and was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2023.
[2] He was the team's most valuable player as both a junior and senior, twice earning first-team All-Front Range League honors on defense, as well as one second-team selection on offense.
[3][4] As a true freshman at Colorado in 2017, Russell spent time learning how to play outside linebacker and tight end, quickly being made the latter while spending the season on the scout team.
[4] He impressed in training camp in 2018 and was given a scholarship prior to the regular season, despite it taking most walk-ons at minimum three years to earn it, if ever.
[2][6] He had his best season in 2021, recording a team-leading 25 receptions for 307 yards while being a nominee for the Burlsworth Trophy, given to the best player who started his career as a walk-on.