While born in Bermuda, Russell attended Philadelphia Textile where he played on the men's soccer team from 1973 to 1976.
[1] He also led the 1974 NCAA post-season tournament with six goals and one assist for thirteen points.
[2] On January 12, 1977, the Portland Timbers of the North American Soccer League selected Russell with the first round (third pick) of the NASL draft.
[5] When the Houston Summit entered Indoor Soccer League (MISL) in 1978, the team drew most of its roster from the NASL Hurricanes.
Russell earned his one cap with the U.S. national team in a 1–0 loss to Portugal on September 20, 1978.