Rookie QB Grant Russell loves giving back to his community

Grant Russell had achieved a lifelong dream when he was extended a contract offer by the Baltimore Brigade this past winter. But, what came next was even better.

In early February, the Arena Football League announced it would be launching a team in Columbus, Ohio. As the staff and roster began to be completed, Head coach Matt Sauk said he noticed Grant on the Baltimore Roster. After watching some film on him and seeing he was from the area, Sauk was able to get Russell traded to Columbus.

“It’s a huge blessing, obviously, to not only to be able to have the opportunity to play in the AFL, but to be able to play at home basically like 35 minutes from my house,” Russell said. “It's insane to be able to do this.“

Russell has been the starting quarterback for the Columbus Destroyers since relieving quarterback Danny Southwick in the Destroyers very first game. He is the only rookie starting quarterback in the league.

The season has been a mixed bag for Russell and the Destroyers. The team is 1-10 but four of their losses were decided by a touchdown or less. Individually Russell has had a typical rookie season, leading the league in interceptions and ranked near the bottom in many statistical categories such as passing yards and touchdowns.

But it's flashes of greatness that have everyone in the league talking about him.

Paul Browning is a three year AFL veteran and joined the team midway through the season from the Atlantic City Blackjacks. He said he heard conversations from around the league about this rookie quarterback who is pretty good.

Browning could only sum up this potential in four words: “He’s just got game.”

Hometown Roots

Russell has Columbus pride running through his blood. He grew up in Newark, Ohio (about 40 minutes from the city) and went to college at Ohio Dominican University in Columbus, Ohio. He was a standout at Ohio Dominican receiving both honorable mention All-American honors and Great Midwest Athletic Conference player of the year his senior season.

Russell said coming back to the Columbus area has been great because many of his family and friends have been able to see him play during home games.

Even with all of his success on the field, it’s always been about the community for Russell. Being back in the Columbus area, Russell said his desire to give back has only increased.

“Now that I’m in this position that’s all I want to do. Any opportunity I’m able to give back to this community I want to because its shown me so much love and support,” he said.

And that’s exactly what he’s been doing.

On July 1, Russell hosted a free football camp for kids in the third through eighth grade. About 100 kids came to participate in football drills and activities for three hours.

Russell said he had about 30 volunteers including his fellow teammates: Fabian Guerra, Tate Leavitt, Aaron Ivory, Jordan Thomas and Craig Peterson.

Russell said this was something very important for him to do.

“Just like any other community we have our fair share of problems, but anyway I'm able to give back I'm willing to do,” said Russell.

This camp isn't Russell only activity in the community. In the offseason, he is a substitute teacher and football coach at his alma mater Newark High school.

He said he is humbled by coaching.

“Just being with these groups of kids for years and years of periods of time. You can mold them and make huge impacts on them for the rest of their lives,” said Russell.

Browning said he can tell how important it is for Russell to play in front of a hometown crowd.

“He got a lot of people in his corner here so I can guarantee that he takes pride in it,”said Browning.

Learning on the fly

Coming into the season Russell hadn't played a game in over a year and had never taken a professional snap. Add on the differences from the outdoor game to the arena game and this season has been a huge learning experience.

Russell said the size of the field and the speed of the game were some of the most noticeable differences. One of the biggest challenges this season has been just receiving the ball from the center.

In college Russell take the snap from the shotgun position. However, with Columbus he has to take the snap from under center.

Russell said the difference between the two styles is bigger than people think.

“Just knowing that you got guys right in front of you and right on top of you when you’re under center compared to when you got some distance between you and the center when you’re in shotgun,” he said.

But with eleven games under his belt, Russell said he is much more comfortable taking the snaps. Additionally, he said he is proud of the progress he has made in having an understanding and control of the offense.

Another lesson Russell has had to learn is with turnovers. He is tied for the most interceptions in the league.

“That comes from how I played outside in outdoor football trying to create [plays],” he said. “You can create in the AFL but you can't be running around back there and get away from a defensive linemen. It's pretty difficult to do and I’ve learned that the hard way.”

Even with the rough year, Sauk said he has seen a lot of positives and is excited for his second year in the offense. He said development from the first to second year is “night and day” and he expects the same from Russell.

Browning said he is excited to see Russell’s development because he has the potential to be one of the best players in the league.

“Just wait till year two comes around and year three when you got a guy who completely understands the offense and completely understands his personnel,” Browning said. “You tie that in with his athleticism and that makes for a very dangerous quarterback.”