Jotham Russell

Jotham Russell (born 8 June 2003) is an Australian professional American football defensive end. Previously a rugby league player for the Brisbane Broncos, he joined the NFL through the International Player Pathway Program (IPPP) in 2024.

Early life and rugby career Russell was born on 8 June 2003 in Canberra, Australia. He is of Nigerian descent. He grew up playing multiple sports, including gymnastics, soccer and Little Athletics. Playing as a front-rower, he joined the academy for the National Rugby League's Brisbane Broncos as a teenager and later switched to playing wing. He was prepared to sign a contract with the Canberra Raiders in 2023 before receiving an opportunity to play American football. He was invited to tryout for the NFL Australia camp, and after success there, was chosen in January 2024 as one of 16 players for the 2024 International Player Pathway Program (IPPP) class, designed to give foreign players opportunities in the NFL. He was one of two Australians chosen, along with Patrick Murtagh. Afterwards, he was signed by the New England Patriots on 13 May 2024 as an undrafted free agent, following a successful tryout at the team's rookie minicamp, to play defensive end. He was waived on August 27, and re-signed to the practice squad.

Personal life On 13 October 2025, Russell was announced as a contestant on the seventh season of Love Island Australia.