I.D. RUSSELL - INDUCTEE #122
hall of fame fast fact:
Do you know what "I.D." stands for? "Just that - initials only," answered I.D. Russell, who coached and/or taught at Garland, Kermit, Borger, Vernon, and Childress high schools after his playing career ended. He also briefly owned a feed store in Childress before settling down in 1973 on a 1,000 acre farm near Paducah.
I.D. Russell
I.D. Russel built a reputation at Wellington High School as a fullback and quarterback on offense and hard-hitting linebacker on defense. He was also an excellent punter, once booting the ball more than 80 yards.
Russell ran track and lettered four years in basketball, earning all-district basketball honors three times.
He led the Wellington football team to the regional playoffs. He attended Texas A&M in the fall of 1947 on scholarship.
After a knee injury, the coaching staff terminated his scholarship. The SMU coach took a chance on Russell, despite his injury. Russell started playing for the Mustangs in 1949. He made the Southwest Conference defensive team his sophomore and junior seasons.
The Green Bay Packers drafted Russell, but he decided not to pursue a pro football career.
He coached and/or taught at Garland, Kermit, Borger, Vernon, and Childress high schools after his playing career ended.
