B.J. Russell, ’05, attributes his leadership skills to his time on the field
Legacy is the driving force behind Hall of Honoree recipient B.J. Russell, who graduated from Colorado Mesa University — then Mesa State College — in 2005. Russell still holds the all-time football program record in tackles, assisted tackles and most tackles in a single game, which he earned throughout his four-year letterman and three-year starting career.
“Playing football at that level was a dream of mine since I was a little kid. It was an experience that will stay with me my entire life,” Russell said.
Nearly two decades later, Russell now spends his days as a manager for an environmental consulting company, running a family business as a fifth-generation cattle rancher and raising his three young sons alongside his high school sweetheart. He still holds his collegiate football days close to his heart.
Russel’s life motto, “be humble and be the last one to quit,” stems from his time as a team captain and dedicated student-athlete. Being a leader on the field transferred into his professional life after college.
“As someone who manages people, I can tell when someone has been in a team situation like sports. You learn a lot from that experience. I learned how to perform under pressure, work through adversity, be competitive, work as a team and be the one others depend on.”
Russell grew up in Loma, Colorado, and chose CMU for its proximity to family. Today, Russell and his family live just a quarter mile away from his childhood home. Russell’s three young boys, ages 12, 9 and 7, all hope to follow in their father’s footsteps as competitive athletes, and Russell hopes they’ll continue the family legacy as sixth-generation ranchers.
“It’s a life dream,” Russell said. “It’s that lifestyle that we want o keep for the next generation, for my boys to learn and be part of. I’m trying to keep that legacy going.”
Even when Russell isn’t working, you’ll find him still practicing the cowboy lifestyle, running around with his boys and wife, fishing and hunting.
Hometown: Loma, Colorado
Profession: Western Colorado operations manager at Summit Services Group and owner of his family cattle ranch, Russell Cattle Company.
Inspirational CMU Employee: Coach Joe Ramunno and Defensive Coordinator Clarence Ross
Favorite book: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
Favorite place on campus: Ralph Stoker Stadium Field
Life motto: “Be humble and be the last one to quit.”
Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, spending time with his family and being a cowboy
Accomplishments: Was a four-year letterman, three-year starter and team captain of the football team; is the all-time program leader in tackles (422), assisted tackles (256) and most tackles in a game (28); married his high school sweetheart and is raising three great boys.