AboutJim Considine Expertise I can answer statistical questions about professional football. I am especially strong on the subject of the Baltimore Colts from 1947 through 1983, Washington Redskins, and the Baltimore Ravens.
My services are best used when an older, obscure question is posed. The newer NFL records are easily accessible through www.NFL.com
I do not appraise memorabilia. I am not an expert on Canadian Football, though I will take a shot at any questions you might
I have a good understanding and recall of the folklore about Baltimore football. Some of this information may be subjective in nature. I will give the best answer possible if this is the case.
Experience I am an NFL Statistician with the Washington Redskins. I grew up during the days of the Baltimore Colts in the 1960's. (Please refer to the movie "Diner" for more information about the Baltimore Colts fans)
Organizations Washington Redskins Statistician, 2005-present
Baltimore Ravens, 1996-2003
Publications The records were used by author Jon Morgan in his book, "Glory For Sale". The records have been part of the Baltimore Ravens Media Guides since their inaugural season in 1996.
I was interviewed for the cover story of The Press Box, a local, monthly sports tabloid newspaper.
http://www.pressboxonline.com/story.cfm?id=5594
Education/Credentials I researched and was able to piece together the statistical history of the AAFC Baltimore Colts 1947-49, and the 1950 NFL Colts. This information was used by The Baltimore Ravens for their 1996 Media Guide. The records were entitled "Baltimore Football Records". It was considered "unofficial" since the AAFC league records were not incorporated with the NFL records when the leagues merged.
The reason that this information was created was due to the fact that the NFL had prohibited the 1996 Baltimore Ravens from bringing the records, colors, and team name from the Cleveland Browns. The Baltimore football records were presented in order to create a frame of reference. The Ravens have kept these records since 1996, adding and amending as the Ravens football team challenge these records.
Awards and Honors I was awarded two game balls from the Ravens and was recognized for my work as the top game day employee.
Past/Present Clients Baltimore Ravens, Wise Guides, Washington Redskins
Question I am trying to find out any info about a former Eagles player from the 1947 ish time. His name was James "Casey" Russell. He played the the Eagles for about 4 seasons I believe. Any info / stats that you have or could send me to would be great. Thanks Bonnie
Answer Hi Bonnie,
The player that you have inquired about, James Russell played Tackle (offense) for the Philadelphia Eagles during the 1936 and 1937 seasons. The Eagles records show that he played in 14 games (11 games in 1936 and 3 games in 1937) over these two seasons. The NFL played 12 games in a season during these years. This would mean that James Russell played in 14 of 24 games during his playing time with the Eagles.
As an offensive lineman, there is very little that they can do to be mentioned in the statistics of a game. Generally, the only way an offensive lineman would ever make a headline would be if they recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. Beyond this, offensive linemen have always lumbered away in anonymity. There are no statistics recorded regarding Mister Russell.
The 1936 Eagles were a pretty awful football team. They won their first game, beating the NY Giants (10-7) and then lost the next 11 games. I am sure the Philadelphia faithful booed them into oblivion.
Their head coach was Bert Bell. He eventually became the majority owner of the Eagles. He was the Commissioner of the NFL, preceding the immortal Pete Rozelle.
In 1937, the Eagles won two games, tied one, and lost nine. James Russell played in only three games. I would assume that Mister Russell was injured, which prevented him from returning that season. He never played professional football after 1937. One could guess that perhaps the injury was a “career ending” injury. Perhaps, Mister Russell decided to make the best use of his Temple education and ended his NFL career in order to pursue a career with a bit more civility.
One has to keep in mind that being an NFL Football player did not carry the prestige that it does today. College football (and basketball) were much more popular than professional football.
These were the days when baseball "ruled the roost" when it comes to popularity.
Mister Russell attended Temple University. He played for the Temple Owls during the 1933, 34, and 1935 seasons. He was the team captain of the Temple Owls in 1935. The Owls were chosen to play Tulane in the inaugural “Sugar Bowl” which was played New Years Day.
His hometown is Sinnemahoning, PA. It is located in Central Pennsylvania, 253 miles from Philadelphia. His hometown was much closer to State College, home of Penn State. I am curious why he attended Temple rather than Penn State.
I found a picture of James Russell in a book “A Look Back at Temple Football 1896-2004” You can find the book online at http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/tem/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2007_FB_MG_Hist...
I am afraid that is all I can find on James Russell. Football did not bother to list the players by their jersey numbers until the 1960’s. Football’s popularity surged after the 1958 Colts vs Giants championship game. Commissioner Pete Rozelle built the NFL into a sport that was challenging baseball as the favorite American sport during the 1960’s.
Baseball was always the fastidious record keeper while football was not concerned with record keeping. To this very day, the NFL pays very little attention to its history.
If you want to find out more about James Russell, I would check to see if there is a hall of fame for local Philadelphians athletes. My guess is that you will find more information on Mister Russell at this source.
Best of luck,
Jim Considine
