Chapelle Russell Bio
Chapelle Russell is an American professional football linebacker who is most recognized for his time with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL). Born on January 20, 1997, in Lakewood Township, New Jersey, he built his reputation as a hard-working defender after playing college football for the Temple Owls. He was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 2020 NFL Draft and has since moved through several professional rosters. Known for his resilience, Russell has consistently returned from setbacks to continue his career at the professional level.
Early Life and Background
Chapelle Russell was born on January 20, 1997, in Lakewood Township, New Jersey. Growing up in a United States Navy family, he experienced frequent relocations during his youth, which helped him adapt to new environments from a young age. He attended Lakewood High School in New Jersey, where he began developing the skills that would eventually lead him to collegiate football. His early exposure to the sport and his family’s military background instilled in him a strong sense of discipline.
During his youth, Russell was known by the surname Cook. He later changed his last name to Russell to honor his deceased father, a meaningful decision that carried personal significance. This background of change and adaptation shaped his outlook as he transitioned into organized football. By the time he reached his senior year of high school, Russell had attracted the attention of college recruiters, ultimately committing to Temple University.
Path to American Football
Russell verbally committed to Temple during his senior year at Lakewood High School, beginning his path toward collegiate football. As a redshirt freshman, he suffered a significant setback when he underwent ACL surgery, an injury that could have derailed his young career. However, his determination and work ethic allowed him to recover fully, and in 2018, he was recognized as Temple’s Male Comeback Player of the Year for his perseverance.
By 2019, Russell had established himself as a key contributor on the Temple defense, recording 72 tackles with 47 solo stops, nine tackles for loss, and three pass breakups. Across his four-year college career, he appeared in 45 games and tallied 237 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, nine pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries. At the 2020 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.69 seconds, completed 21 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press, and recorded a 35-inch vertical leap, solidifying his draft stock.
Chapelle Russell Career
Early Career (2020)
Chapelle Russell was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the seventh round with the 241st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was waived by the Buccaneers during final roster cuts on September 5, 2020, but was signed to the practice squad the following day, keeping his professional hopes alive. On October 13, 2020, he was promoted to the active roster, marking his first official appearance on an NFL active roster. His time in Tampa Bay concluded when he was waived on January 8, 2021.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Breakthrough (2020)
Russell’s entry into the NFL came through the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who used a seventh-round selection on him in 2020. Although his tenure with the team was brief, he demonstrated enough promise to remain on the practice squad after final cuts. His promotion to the active roster in mid-October 2020 represented a major milestone in his rookie season, even though his role remained limited.
Jacksonville Jaguars Era (2021–2022)
On January 11, 2021, Russell was claimed off waivers by the Jacksonville Jaguars, giving him a fresh opportunity with a new franchise. He spent parts of two seasons with the Jaguars, contributing on special teams and within the linebacker room. His time in Jacksonville ended on August 29, 2022, when he was waived as the team finalized its roster for the regular season.
Pittsburgh Steelers Era (2022–2023)
Shortly after his release from Jacksonville, Russell was signed to the Pittsburgh Steelers practice squad on September 1, 2022. He continued to develop within the Steelers organization and signed a reserve and future contract on January 12, 2023, signaling the team’s confidence in his long-term potential. Unfortunately, his momentum was halted when he was waived and placed on injured reserve on August 13, 2023, bringing his time in Pittsburgh to a close.
Washington Commanders Era (2024)
Russell was signed by the Washington Commanders on August 20, 2024, hoping to earn a roster spot. However, his stint with Washington was short-lived, as he was released just one week later on August 27, 2024. Despite the brief engagement, the opportunity reflected his continued value as a depth linebacker across multiple NFL organizations.
Birmingham Stallions Era (2025–Present)
On December 5, 2024, Russell signed with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League, beginning a new chapter in his professional career. The Stallions, one of the most successful franchises in spring football, provided Russell with a chance to play a significant role on defense. His transition to the UFL allowed him to showcase the resilience and experience he developed across his various NFL stops.
Driving Style and Strengths
Russell is recognized for his tackling ability, football intelligence, and versatility as a linebacker. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing approximately 236 pounds, he combines size with mobility, making him effective against both the run and the pass. His college production, including 237 tackles across 45 games, underscores his consistency and instincts on the field. His experience in multiple defensive schemes across several teams has also made him a reliable and adaptable defender.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Russell’s career came in 2018 when he was named Temple’s Male Comeback Player of the Year following his ACL recovery. Being selected in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers marked another career milestone, validating his years of perseverance. His signing with the Birmingham Stallions in late 2024 represented yet another fresh start, showcasing his determination to continue playing professional football at a high level.
Chapelle Russell Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Chapelle Russell was raised in a United States Navy family that moved frequently during his youth, exposing him to a variety of communities and experiences. He was originally known by the surname Cook before changing his last name to Russell in honor of his deceased father. This personal decision reflected the deep family ties that have shaped his identity throughout his football journey.
Personal Life
Outside of football, Russell is known for his quiet resilience and commitment to his craft. His background as the child of a military family instilled values of discipline, adaptability, and perseverance, which have translated into his approach to the game. He continues to pursue his professional football career with the Birmingham Stallions while maintaining strong ties to his family roots.
2025 Season Performance
Chapelle Russell enters the 2025 season with the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League, where he is expected to play a meaningful role within the linebacker group. After several years of bouncing between NFL practice squads and active rosters, his move to the UFL provides him with an opportunity to secure consistent playing time. The Stallions, known for their championship pedigree, offer Russell a platform to demonstrate the skills that earned him an NFL opportunity in 2020.
His professional journey through the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Commanders has given him a wealth of experience across different defensive systems. This versatility should serve him well as he adapts to the UFL’s style of play. With his proven tackling ability and football intelligence, Russell is positioned to be a steady contributor for the Stallions throughout the 2025 campaign.
Looking ahead, Russell’s primary focus will be on establishing himself as a reliable defensive presence while helping the Stallions contend for another UFL title. His resilience, honed through years of overcoming injuries and roster moves, makes him a valuable asset for a team with championship ambitions. The 2025 season represents a chance for Russell to solidify his professional legacy in spring football.