Cowboy Offensive Tackle from 1999-2002 Jason Russell Has Passed Away

STILLWATER – Jason Russell had a big grin just about every time you saw him unless you were a defensive end trying to get to Josh Fields or looking to tackle one of the Oklahoma State tailbacks back in the Les Miles’ era of Cowboy football. Russell came to Oklahoma State from Putnam City High School as a defensive lineman but was converted to offense where he became a stalwart in building up the beginning of the current and consistent success of Cowboy football. On Monday, Feb. 26 his family and his OSU family mourned as Russell passed away following a year long fight with Leukemia. 

Pokes Report

Russell and his family (left to right)) daughter Elle, Jason, wife Keri, and daughter Kate.

Russell is survived by his wife, Keri, and his daughters Elle and Kate, all live in Weatherford, Texas. He is mourned by his former Oklahoma State teammates and friends including Kyle Beck, Kyle Eaton, and Saul Talley as they stayed very close. Other players from that era including quarterback Josh Fields, running back Tatum Bell, and receiver Rashaun Woods remember Russell fondly. 

He was an All-State selection by The Oklahoma Coaches Association and played in the McDonald's Coaches All-State Game. He was also All-State with The Daily Oklahoman andThe Tulsa World. He was first-team All-Big City and All-Metro Conference as well as first-team All-District 6A-1.  

As a Cowboy, Russell was a starter for most of two full seasons and played a lot of football for the Cowboys. He was a major part of wins over rival Oklahoma in 2001 and 2002. He was a cornerstone on the offensive line that blocked the Pokes to the 2002 Houston Bowl and a win over Southern Miss. That offense averaged almost six-yards a play, 411-yards a game, and over 34 points per game.  

Oklahoma State Athletics

Jason Russell as a freshman.

The son of Judith and James Russell he was born on Sept. 16, 1978 and was 45-years-old at his passing. 

Russell was a great teammate and I can tell you he was a favorite of mine for interviews, whether it was early in the week leading up to a game or in the locker room after either a Cowboy win or Russell was one of the strong leaders that I could lean on after tough losses to comminicate his feelings to the fans. 

He loved his family and did what all of us connected in some way to Oklahoma State wish for all of our former athletes to do. He kept in touch and came back to see us showing off his wonderful family. 

Jason Russell was a standout player and a good friend.