Russell Stuvaints

Russell Stuvaints Jr. (born August 28, 1980) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive back for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Youngstown State Penguins. Stuvaints won Super Bowl XL with the Steelers.

Although billed as a defensive back, Russell performed most notably on special teams throughout his NFL career.

Early life Stuvaints attended McKeesport Area High School in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he played football for the Tigers under the guidance of coach George Smith. He holds several school records at McKeesport.

College career Russell attended Youngstown State University and was a student and a letterman in football. In football, as a junior, he was a second-team All-Gateway Football Conference selection and an Honorable Mention All-America selection. As a senior, he was an All-Gateway Conference Honorable Mention selection.

Professional career

Pittsburgh Steelers (first stint) Stuvaints signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on May 2, 2003, after going undrafted in the 2003 NFL draft. He was waived on August 26, signed to the practice squad on September 2, released on September 30, re-signed to the practice squad on October 7, released on October 21, and re-signed to the practice squad again on October 28. He was then promoted to the active roster for the first time on December 3 and played in four games for the Steelers during the 2003 season, recording one assisted tackle.

He was waived by the Steelers on September 5, 2004. The Steelers won Super Bowl XL that season.

AAFL Stuvaints later signed with the All American Football League to play for Team Arkansas.

Burgh Defenders Stuvaints signed with the Burgh Defenders of the American Arena League for the 2019 season.

Personal life On July 10, 2009, it was reported that Stuvaints would be trying out for the Pittsburgh Phantoms of the Global Professional Basketball League on July 12, 2009.

Shooting On June 1, 2008, Stuvaints was injured during an altercation at Nigro's Restaurant in North Versailles, Pennsylvania. Stuvaints, who was shot once in the right hip, was one of five people wounded during the incident.