Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Andy Russell dies at 82

Former Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Andy Russell passed away at the age of 82 this week, Action News 4 reported on Friday. Russell, originally drafted by the Steelers in 1963, won two Super Bowl titles with the team. Action 4 News shared that the former linebacker passed away Thursday night.

After missing two seasons due to military enlistment, the former Missouri Tiger played 11 seasons, playing all 14 games each year and earning seven Pro Bowl nominations. On December 27, 1975, he set the NFL playoff record for longest returned touchdown. He went for 93 yards in Three Rivers Stadium and notched the victory over the Baltimore Colts. 

Russell retired after winning his second Super Bowl ring in 1976 as part of the Steel Curtain defense. He was a first-team All-Pro in 1975 and second-team All-Pro in 1968, 1970 and 1972. He also earned the team’s MVP award in 1971.

Finishing his career with 38 sacks and 18 interceptions over 168 games, Russell earned his induction into the Steelers Hall of Honor, the Steelers’ All-Time Team and even the Pittsburgh Hall of Fame. He was a Detroit, Michigan, native but he also lived in New York then went to high school in Missouri and attended Mizzou.

Voice of the Steelers Bill Hillgrove retires

After 30 years, the Voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers Bill Hillgrove is retiring. The team announced the news on Thursday with a statement from Steelers President Art Rooney II.

“Bill Hillgrove’s contributions to both the Steelers Radio Network and the Steelers organization have spanned nearly three decades that included him serving as our play-by-play announcer for four Super Bowl appearances and countless other memorable games during his tenure,” Rooney said. “He has played a major role in broadcasting to our amazing fans on our radio network, but he also found time to be part of so many special events since he began working alongside the great Myron Cope on the airwaves in 1994.

“Bill will truly be missed by Steelers Nation, but we are excited for him and his family to enjoy his retirement.”

A graduate of Central Catholic High School in Pittsburgh, where he is a member of the school’s Hall of Fame, Hillgrove attended Duquesne University and studied sports broadcasting. After graduation, he began announcing games for Pitt Football and Basketball as part of the sports broadcasting team at WTAE. Hillgrove exited the TV broadcasting game when the Steelers came calling in 1994.