Russ Jensen

Russ Jensen (born 13 July 1961) was a former professional American Football player most noted for his time in the British leagues where he is considered one of the greatest players ever.[1]

Russ Jensen
No. 18
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1961-07-13) July 13, 1961
La Mirada, California
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:215 lb (98 kg)
Career information
College:California Lutheran University
Undrafted:1983
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Player stats at NFL.com

College

Jensen was recruited to play at San Francisco State, but transferred to the Cal Lutheran Kingsmen in his senior year. As the starting quarterback, he led the Kingsmen to the Division II playoffs where they met the Linfield College Wildcats in the first round. Jensen set NAIA playoff records in pass attempts (57), pass completions (35) and passing yards (437), but also tied the record for interceptions with 7. They lost to the eventual 1982 champions 20-16.[2]

Jensen was an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention in 1982[3] and set Kingsmen records in passing yardage and passing touchdowns.[4]

Professional career

Los Angeles Express

Jensen was not drafted in the 1983 NFL Draft, but was selected in the USFL Territorial Draft by the Los Angeles Express.[5]

He spent most of his time buried beneath Frank Seurer and future NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young,[6][7] and during his time with the Express threw just 6 passes, for 2 completions of 33 yards, 0 touchdowns and 1 interception.[8]

Los Angeles Raiders

Despite his limited playing time in the USFL, Jensen got a chance to make the Los Angeles Raiders roster in the 1985 off season. Jensen was in competition with Rusty Hilger and former first round draft pick Rich Campbell to back up Jim Plunkett and Marc Wilson. He suffered a broken thumb in a scrimmage with the Dallas Cowboys at his college's facilities in Cal Lutheran, and spent only a limited time on the roster.[9]

San Diego Chargers

During the 1987 "Strike" Season, Jensen made the roster of the San Diego Chargers as a non-union player. He had been working in construction and minor acting roles on the show 1st & Ten[10] when he was contacted by the Chargers.[11][12]

Birmingham Bulls

In 1988, the GM of the Birmingham Bulls of the British Budweiser League, Frank Leadon, brought Jensen over to the UK. Jensen immediately made the Bulls national contenders again.[13]

Jensen threw for 2925 yards, 35 touchdowns (including 7 in a single game against the Manchester Allstars) and rushed for another 13 in the 1988 season, setting franchise records. 2051 of those yards and 22 of those touchdowns were caught by fellow import Greg Harris.[14] In 1988, the Bulls won their second national championship, defeating the London Olympians 30-6 at Loftus Road on the back of Jensen's three touchdown passes.[15]

In 1989, Jensen initially refused terms with the Birmingham Bulls, but signed just before the start of the season, teaming up with another fellow import, this time wide receiver Bob Shoop, throwing 2276 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, leading the Bulls to another national championship game, against the Manchester Allstars at Crystal Palace. However, two days before the final, Jensen left the team due to a dispute with Bulls owner Dave Webb over medical bills. Jensen never played for the Bulls again[16] and then GM and lineman James Thornton placed the blame on the Bulls management.[17]

Coaching career

During his time in the UK, Jensen also coached at the Bulls, and instilled much needed discipline and was known for being a "hard task master"[18] who "craved perfection".[19]

Honours and records
  • Britball Now Hall of Fame
  • Most Touchdown Passes in Birmingham Bulls History
  • Most Pass Completions in Birmingham Bulls History
  • Most Pass Yards in Birmingham Bulls History

Personal life

Jensen lives in La Mirada, California and has two children with his wife, Isabel.[20]

References
  1. BritballNow. "Who Were The Greatest? - BritballNow". britballnow.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  2. "Hall of Fame Member - Linfield College". linfield.edu. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  3. "CLUsports.com". clusports.com. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  4. "Football - CLUsports.com". clusports.com. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  5. 1983 Territorial Draft
  6. "Coach John Hadl said Friday he will start quarterback..." upi.com. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  7. "Lawrence Journal-World - Google News Archive Search". google.com. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  8. "Russ Jensen Statistics on JustSportsStats.com". justsportsstats.com. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  9. LaMARRE, T. O. M. (26 July 1985). "It's Thumbs Down for Russ Jensen : Former Cal Lutheran Quarterback Suffers Bad Break at Raider Camp". Retrieved 23 April 2017 – via LA Times.
  10. God Save The Quarterback!, Michael Globetti, 1991 Pg. 120
  11. APPLEMAN, MARC (25 September 1987). "These Days, an Actor Can Play Quarterback". Retrieved 23 April 2017 – via LA Times.
  12. FRIEND, TOM (24 September 1987). "NFL STRIKE : Numbers Same, but Faces Aren't Those of Real Chargers". Retrieved 23 April 2017 – via LA Times.
  13. "British Gridiron American Football Hall of Fame Russ Jensen". britballnow.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  14. BritballNow. "Offense Records - BritballNow". britballnow.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  15. BritballNow. "Britball Finals (pre-2014) - BritballNow". britballnow.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  16. "Leigh Ensor". britballnow.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  17. "Spartans 21-14 Bulls". britballnow.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  18. "Mark "Spider" Webb American football interview". britballnow.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  19. "Trevor Carthy interview". britballnow.co.uk. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
  20. "Roxanna Jensen". cerritosfalcons.com. Retrieved 23 April 2017.
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