Erk Russell, died in a single-car automobile accident today at the age of 80 apparently as a result of natural causes. Jeff D'Alessio and Chip Towers of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution provide all the details of Russell's passing and the AJC UGA sports online section has several features on Russell's passing, including an opportunity to post your respsects.
As Georgia's longtime defensive coordinator under legendary coach Vince Dooley, Russell was the architect of the Junkyard Dawgs' defense that seemed to always come up with key plays in the fourth quarter and best symbolized Dooley's 25 years of excellence at the Georgia helm. Even more impressive on Russell's resume, though, was that he left Georgia to start a football program at Georgia Southern in 1981, coached the school's first NCAA Division I-AA game in 1984 and led the Eagles to a national title the very next season. He would win two more national championships before retiring from coaching after the 1989 season. Georgia Southern remains one of the top Division I-AA programs in the country today.
Dooley always appeared stoic, articulate and unemotional on the sideline. But Russell's shaved head and fiery demeanor became symbols of Georgia's pride and toughness during his tenure as UGA defensive coordinator from 1964-80. In 1975, he created the slogan "Junkyard Dawgs," for his defense, which was derived from the classic Jim Croce hit, Bad, Bad Lee Roy Brown. It is still played every game by the UGA Redcoats Marching band.
In the undefeated 1980 season that culminated with Georgia's only consensus national championship, Russell's defense was at its best in the biggest games, including a 17-10 win over Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl. Russell's patented motivation cry of "Get after their ass" is now recognized to Georgia fans as GATA, which dons hundreds of shirts in Sanford Stadium on fall Saturdays.
On the wall of my home I have painting entitled, "Bloody Erk," featuring Russell with blood trickling down his bald head, triggered by one of the head buts he often gave his players as a motivational ploy. Of course, those players were often wearing helmets. An ex-girlfriend once gave me this painting as a gift. I was so touched that I probably stayed with her for a year longer than I should of, in large part because of my true love for Erk Russell. Every old-time Georgia fan I have ever met loved Erk Russell. At times Dooley actually seemed to resent the adulation Russell received from fans and that he seemed immune to criticism.
But no one loved Russell more than his players. The AJC quoted former UGA standout defensive lineman and Outland Trophy winner Bill Stanfill as having said, "If you couldn't play for Erk Russell, you needed to take off your uniform, right on down to your jock strap, hang it on a nail and go find something else to do. He just had a special talent for motivating people. He could get more out of a guy than anybody I've ever seen."
I know Russell's passing happened on late notice, but I hope the University of Georgia athletics departments asks the folks at South Carolina to honor Russell with a moment of the silence before tomorrow night's game. But if the UGA football team wants to pay tribute to Russell, there's only one thing to do: GATA.
