JaMarcus Russell Said He Would Play For Free Making Him A Strong Candidate For 'Most Improved Player'

Nine years after being the No. 1 pick, JaMarcus Russell doesn't ask for sympathy. Premieres 4/26 from @SI_Films.https://t.co/oJVjocBpHL

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 25, 2016

You know we are always so quick to dismiss the idea that a person can change, but I really think it's important that we acknowledge said person when they have done so much to prove that they have. Say what you want about JaMarcus Russell, but he's clearly a different man. The guy that was once paid over $36 million dollars - on a rookie contract that inevitably changed the entire rookie pay scale - to not play is now willing to play for free?! The man who once failed to compete for a starting position as a #1 overall pick has somehow transformed into a competitor who kinda sorta wants to play sometimes? The man that responded to getting cut by packing on weight so fast you would think his personal trainer was Kirstie Alley is now so dedicated to getting back on the field that he's managed to work himself to the size of a respectable human being? How can we count this guy out?! You see that letter? By my count that was at least three paragraphs. Probably didn't even do that much writing in all his time at LSU, and he did it just to tell NFL teams that he would put his not-so-ridiculously-out-of-shape body on the line free of charge. A man so committed to being in professional football that he'll take a job as the water boy just to work his way on to the scout team? That laugh following "you might see me back" may not have proven to you that he's the most devoted athlete in the world, but in terms of determination he's at least worthy of consideration for 'Most Improved'. 

P.S. I stand by the second paragraph of this blog.
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