JaMarcus Russell Wants Fans to Know He Has Emotions

JaMarcus Russell might be the worst quarterback to ever put on an NFL uniform, and the Raiders have been reduced to sideshow-circus status. But through it all -- the debilitating losses, the lack of leadership, the fantastic relationship with the media -- Russell, the first overall pick in the 2007 draft, wants you to know that he still believes in ... something.

Oakland is 1-2 despite Russell, who has single-handedly set the passing game back 100 years. And his performance, along with his indifferent on-field demeanor rubs some people the wrong way.

The Oakland Tribune's Jerry McDonald writes that, "While there's no statistical measurement for it, fans at the stadium, as well as on call-in radio and blogs like this would add he's also dead last in emotion and body language."

There's good news, though: Russell has emotions, he's just not very good at showing them.

"If you look at it all the time, even though we score a touchdown or two, I clap, go give the guys praise, but you never see me (getting too excited)," Russell said. "My coach in high school always told me to stay on an even keel, that way, nobody will ever read you, they will never know what you're thinking about, how high you are, how low you are. I think that's their opinion about how things go on but they really don't know what's going on in my mind."

Russell's voice trailed off as he closed the book from which he had just read. The title -- "How to Master YOUR Poker Face," by Art Shell -- spoke louder than anything Russell could have ever put into words. But it was the other book in Russell's locker that offered some clues to his physical struggles: "Developing an Offensive Game Plan," by Brian Billick.

When put in perspective, it's clear that Russell never had a chance.

* Last two paragraphs may or may not be based on actual events.