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Irish in the NFL: Chiefs Release Russell, Fuller Shines for Texans

By Ben Belden

Aug 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback KeiVarae Russell (26) tackles Chicago Bears wide receiver Daniel Braverman (83) after picking up yardage during the second half at Soldier Field. Chiefs won 23-7. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback KeiVarae Russell (26) tackles Chicago Bears wide receiver Daniel Braverman (83) after picking up yardage during the second half at Soldier Field. Chiefs won 23-7. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Two former Irish players have made headlines this past week. See how both are are fairing in their new roles.

As Notre Dame’s secondary continues to struggle with youth and inexperience, one name they would undoubtedly love to have back is former standout corner KeiVarae Russell.

Russell was taken in the third round of the NFL Draft this past spring by the Kansas City Chiefs. Wednesday, in a surprise move, the Chiefs cut Russell. Russell had reportedly been slipping down the depth charts in favor of other players. In his news conference, Chiefs coach Andy Reid had this to say about the move to release Russell:

"Listen, we felt that was the best thing to do for the Chiefs right now. He’s a good young man and I think he has a good future… That’s what we thought was best."

Reid went on to say that Russell’s release was strictly a football decision and that there were no underlying reasons for the Chiefs wanting to move forward without him. His release means Russell is the highest 2016 draft pick to find himself unemployed so far this season.

At Notre Dame, Russell displayed plenty of raw talent and athleticism. Had it not been for a few setbacks due to an academic suspension and some nagging injuries, Russell could have seen himself taken in the first round. Still, Russell was thought to be on a road to success in the NFL. By all accounts, Russell still has that talent but needs time to develop and grow in an NFL defense. He likely will not be without a job for long.

Update: Russell was not on the free agent market for long, as he announced on Twitter that he has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals. 

https://twitter.com/Keivarae1/status/776520420174336000

Unfortunately for Irish fans, Russell’s release comes as the Chiefs prepare for a Week 2 battle with the Houston Texans, who selected another former Irish standout, Will Fuller, in the first round of the 2016 draft. Potential Russell-Fuller duels would have been fun to watch for Irish fans, but it seems the two will have to wait to reunite on the same football field.

Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) celebrates with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Will Fuller (15) celebrates with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium. The Texans won 23-14. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Speaking of Fuller, he has been making waves as a receiver in Houston. In his first game as a Texan, Fuller impressed both his teammates and his coach. After having only one catch in the first half, Fuller responded by going over 100 yards in the second half. Fuller scored his first career touchdown on an 18-yard screen play early in the fourth quarter. In all, Fuller had five catches for 107 yards and a score.

Next: In praise of Daniel Cage, ND's not-really breakout star

Fuller should continue to get his share of opportunities, especially if opposing defenses shift attention to standout receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Fuller surely has a bright future ahead in Houston.

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