He was named All-Del Rey League and was awarded MVP honors at the annual East-West All-Star Game.
He was offered a scholarship at San Diego State University (SDSU) to play for coach Ted Tollner and the Aztecs.
He took over as San Diego State's starting quarterback in the second game of the 1998 season (replacing injured starter Spencer Brinton).
He finished the regular season with nine interceptions, tied for the most in the NFL with Tony Parrish, and led the team in tackles with 95.
His best game of the season was against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he tied a team record with three takeaways (two interceptions and the first fumble recovery of his career).
Russell was targeted by coach Romeo Crennel in free agency to solidify a young secondary.
Russell made 68 tackles and added an interception in 16 starts in 2007 as part of a secondary that allowed the fewest touchdown passes in franchise history.
Russell and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker were reunited after spending two previous seasons together (2005–2006) as members of the Cleveland Browns.
Brian Russell's last NFL game was played on January 3, 2010, when he helped the Texans secure their first winning season by beating the New England Patriots at Reliant Stadium.
Russell's wife, Leslie, is a former All-American track athlete who attended San Diego State and competed in the 2004 Summer Olympic trials.