JaMarcus Russell's Daily Log

JaMarcus Russell's Daily Log

Thursday, August 23^rd, 2007 – JaMarcus woke up around 9 a.m. and ate some Fruity Pebbles. After watching “SportsCenter,” he hopped in the shower to rinse off before his workout. He got in a good lift, some plyometric work and enjoyed an ice-cold Gatorade. Eric Metz (Russell's agent) called around 1 p.m., to help keep morale high, and assured JaMarcus that “we're getting closer to a deal.” Unfortunately, the #1 draft pick sees that ESPN reports the opposite. Late in the afternoon, Russell kicked back to find “Curly Sue,” (starring the incomparable Jim Belushi) on cable.

Friday, August 24^th, 2007 – Russell's day began a bit earlier, and with a more traditional breakfast of bacon and eggs. After a shower, he took his SUV to the car wash to get the shine just right on his 24's. He enjoyed a great workout before coming home to see that ESPN was broadcasting a few highlights of his mini-camp work-outs. Coach Lane Kiffin was singing the praises of the young QB. June just seems so long ago. What if Russell would have stayed at LSU for his senior season? Such thoughts drove the 6'6” unsigned rookie to eat 36 chocolate chip cookies in the course of an afternoon.

Saturday, August 25^th, 2007 – There's nothing like a Saturday to remind you that another week has passed you by, and no progress has been made toward a contract. JaMarucs Russell didn't sleep well last night. This is not at all how he envisioned the NFL...watching the Raiders put together a great pre-season effort vs. the St. Louis Rams without him. And Dante Culpepper was looking strong...more like he did 4 years ago in Minnesota. It doesn't help that Thursday night, August 30^th, will mark the kickoff of what could have been Russell's senior season at LSU. Regardless, Russell's momma did everything in her power to keep morale high on Saturday morning, cooking up some delicious buttermilk pancakes with lots of butter and syrup. After enjoying a tall stack, JaMarcus plopped down in front of the TV to catch a little Little League baseball action and USA FIBA basketball vs. Canada. After his workout, he watched a little more NFL pre-season action to see Peyton Manning get a few reps in. All the while, he seemed to ignore his instinct that is telling him that he is a football player, not a football watcher. It's not too late to fire an agent, negotiate and get geared up before the second week of September. Before he went to bed, Russell enjoyed a tall glass of water.

Sunday, August 26^th, 2007 – JaMarcus woke early for some family breakfast time. They were rockin' biscuits and sausage gravy made in that southern style that not even the most disciplined vegetarian could deny. After breakfast, Russell hopped in the shower and put on some modest digs to get on over to church. The minister offered a sermon in which he recalled the apostle Paul, who once stated that it was good to find contentment wherever you happen to be. Of course, Paul spent a lot of time in prison because he believed in Jesus, and was an integral part of that renegade group of 1^st century folks known as “the way.” Russell, on the other hand, is sitting in Alabama, a prisoner of an agent and an owner, who can't decide how many millions he should make. If that doesn't put things into perspective, I don't know what does. The new WWJD: What will JaMarcus do?

Monday, August 27, 2007 – Wow. What a day. JaMarcus couldn't help but draw comparison to himself and Michael Vick. Yes, it all began as a introspective session of contrast, but there seem to be more similarities than differences. Two football players that won't be playing football anytime soon. The difference, Mike Vick broke the law – JaMarcus Russell is just waiting for more money. Hmm, that's funny, it certainly doesn't seem if either gentleman will make much cash flow this year. These thoughts were beyond disturbing to the young rookie, who doesn't look like he'll actually be a rookie in the near future. The most disturbing thought JaMarcus had to deal with today was also probably a thought that slipped through Michael Vick's head several times: “What am I doing?” For Russell's sake, the excitement that accompanied that draft date has all but dissipated, and any potential of having a phenomenal rookie campaign that might have led to big endorsement deals has been completely washed out. Good things can happen when you play, but nothing happens when you don't. JaMarcus is coming to the realization that the NFL and American society operate steadily on a “what have you done for me lately” philosophy. Without a deal soon, he could easily fade into football obscurity.

Tuesday August 28^th, 2007 – JaMarcus poured a bowl of Cookie Crisp and sat down to the TV. Nothing. Nothing about him. The league has moved on. Oh well, so much for trusting in a money-grubbing agent to “get you what you're worth!” Perhaps if Metz doesn't lock Russell's deal soon, he can work on getting JaMarcus a contract as a couch and recliner tester, since that's all he'll be doing for the rest of the year. And LSU opens their 2007 BCS campaign tomorrow night. Dang – this crap is depressing – so JaMarcus finishes his cereal and goes to the nearest mall to buy a new pair of shoes.

Wednesday August 29^th, 2007 – After waking up late, JaMarcus grabbed an apple on the way out the door to get a manicure. Those hands are potentially worth a lot, dontcha know? Well...yeah...potentially. That's pretty much all he did. Oh, he did work out and throw the football, but there was nobody there to see him do it, so did it really happen? Kinda like a tree falling in the woods.

Thursday August 30^th, 2007 – JaMarcus Russell's heart is still with his boys at LSU. He was buzzing with anticipation all morning, and could barely get down his grits. (He likes his with butter and sugar, if you're wondering.) After seeing his former Tiger teammates get off to a slow start, he was then forced to listen to the commentators repeatedly say, “Matt Flynn, JaMarcus Russell's replacement...is more agile and a better runner than JaMarcus.” Purple and Gold or Silver and Black, JaMarcus would have looked awesome in either uniform this season – they are certainly more attractive on him than the street clothes it seems he'll be wearing for the duration of 2007.

Friday, August 31^st, 2007 – JaMarcus was unavailable for comment.

Saturday, September 1^st, 2007 – JaMarcus Russell got up early, had a quick bowl of oatmeal and headed off to work out. Workouts are starting to become tedious and boring without the reward of playing ball, but at least there would be a day full of college blow-outs to enjoy. After coming home to catch the last hour of College Game Day, JaMarcus had his momma fry up some chicken and mash some potatoes, so they could enjoy Saturday's slate of action. Thursday the 6^th is looming. It's more than a single date to Russel – it is the beginning of what was supposed to be the next chapter in his life: The 2007 NFL Football season. There's nothing good about sitting out to this point. Oakland is without an identity. JaMarcus has the ability to become more than a highly paid NFL superstar, but it seems as if that is of little interest at this point. Hindsight, however, is 20/20.

Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, September 2^nd – 4^th, 2007 – This is boring. The season starts tomorrow. JaMarcus went to church on Sunday and stared at the wall on Monday and Tuesday. I really thought that by now Russell would have a deal. So did he.

Wednesday, September 5^th, 2007 – Cheerios. Lifted Weights. Shaved head.

Thursday, September 6^th, 2007 – Still nowhere near a deal, and Russell continues to go through his daily routine. A routine that becomes more boring with each passing day. Tonight marked the kick off of the 2007 NFL season, and JaMarcus watched with much anticipation and angst as a great first half turned into a complete debacle. There was no denying the eerie parallel that could be drawn between the game and his rookie campaign. Draft day, mini-camps and then the onslaught of an agent and owner/manager laying an insurmountable task upon his young shoulders. Big fella, I'll continue to watch your progress until the Monday night double header. At that point, you'll see that nobody really cares what's going on with you, and I'm going to tell you what you need to do!

Friday, September 7^th, 2007 – JaMarcus feels it. An Oakland loss on Sunday will bring a signing. Wait...is that what he felt, or was it the spicy breakfast sausage he enjoyed with his scrambled eggs. Regardless, it was a good day. His Alma Mater opens their Death Valley season tomorrow vs. Virginia Tech and he won't be playing on Sunday. It's obvious, it's been dealt with, so let's hope Oakland loses. Following JaMarcus around on a daily basis is getting exhausting – and it doesn't pay well.

Saturday, September 8^th, 2007 – T – I – G – E – R – S! A good ole fashioned butt kickin', Cajun style. Oh...and JaMarcus had Kaboom! cereal for breakfast. I didn't even know they still made Kaboom! JaMarcus let me know that it's easiest to order it from Amazon.com – this guy is now officially blowing my mind!

Sunday, September 9^th, 2007 – Today was the day. It could not have gone any better. Perhaps it was an answered prayer that JaMarcus shared at church this morning. Regardless, Oakland clearly showed today that they have the right recipe, yet they're missing an ingredient. JaMarcus Russell will join the NFL tomorrow. He knows it. His momma knows it. I know it.

Monday, September 10^th, 2007 – To the tune of 6 years and a potential $68 million, JaMarcus Russell will need to turn his head and cough, check his blood pressure...resting heart rate, open up and say “Ahhhhhhhh” ... and by Wednesday, he should be back in the red practice jersey, ready to learn the Kiffin system. Congrats, Mr. Russell. There were times I thought we might never see this day. I must choke back my tears as I bid you a fond farewell and encourage you to kick out the jams in the Bay area! JaMarcus skipped breakfast today – there was just too much excitement in the air!

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