From Georgia Southern University
Director of Athletics Sam Baker...
“We are still in shock after hearing the news about Erk Russell. He was a great leader, his players loved him, and he was a father-figure to them all,” said Director of Athletics Sam Baker. “Coach Russell will be greatly missed. Although he might not physically be with us, as long as there is football at Georgia Southern, Erk’s legacy will live on.”
Head Football Coach Brian VanGorder
“It’s hard to put it all into perspective and words. It’s a unique situation though, I had Erk talk to the team and I felt so good leaving that meeting. I woke up with a special spirit this morning and then I got the call. It just changed the day and the whole events surrounding this weekend,” said Eagles’ head coach Brian VanGorder. “But I think the things we talk about in respect to coach Russell and what he has done for Georgia Southern, the university, Statesboro, Bulloch County and the entire state of Georgia is really just a tribute to an unbelievable life.”
From Associated Press
Quotes from those who knew Erk Russell, the former Georgia defensive coordinator and Georgia Southern head coach who died Friday at age 80:
"We had Erk speak to our team a few years back and we still show that video to our team on occasion. He had charisma. He didn't take himself too seriously and people loved him because they knew he cared. He left a huge impression on the Georgia program, the people of Georgia, and especially the players he coached and his fellow coaches." - Georgia football coach Mark Richt.
"Erk coached through motivation, not intimidation, as some thought. He had the most remarkable ability to make everybody feel good. Secretaries loved him. Custodians loved him. Most of all, his players loved him, which is why the least talented athlete could make a contribution if it was only for one play or one series. He felt that defense was reaction and recognition. He could motivate a kid with heart and an appreciation for team play to help Georgia win championships." - Loran Smith, Georgia Radio Network sideline reporter and longtime Executive Secretary of the Georgia Bulldog Club.
"When Erk went to Georgia Southern to start their program, he would bring his team down here and play our freshmen team at FSU. We would sit together and talk a lot back them. He took a school with no program and eventually won championships. He'll probably be remembered as a very animated coach who produced great defenses. And there was no better speaker in front of a group than Erk. I hate to see him leave us, but he is a good man who'll go to the good place." - Florida State coach Bobby Bowden, who had known Russell since the 1940s when they played for rival high schools in Birmingham, Ala.
"Erk Russell is an icon of Georgia football history, and we join all the Bulldog Nation in mourning his passing. "I had come to know him over the years and have great respect for his many contributions to the University and its football program. His tenacity, combined with a loving spirit, inspired loyalty in his players, fellow coaches, and all who love the University of Georgia. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in their time of great loss." - Georgia president Michael F. Adams.
"This is a sad day for the Bulldog Nation. Coach Russell touched the lives of so many people. His legendary status as a hard-nosed defensive coordinator at the University of Georgia will always be remembered. Erk truly embodied what it means to be a Georgia Bulldog." - Georgia athletic director Damon Evans.
"The entire Georgia Southern community is deeply shocked and saddened by Erk's passing. Just yesterday (Thursday), he spent the afternoon with this year's team, giving our young players a moment they will treasure for the rest of their lives." - Georgia Southern president Bruce Grube.
"If you needed a picture to put by the word 'humble' in the dictionary, Erk Russell's picture should be there." - Holmes Ramsey, a longtime Georgia Southern athletic booster and friend who lives in Statesboro.
"We've had many fine assistant coaches at Georgia, but Erk Russell was probably the most instrumental assistant in our history. He had more to do with the fighting spirit of our defenses than anyone and probably the greatest impact of any assistant on the success of the teams during his tenure." - former Georgia sports information director Dan Magill.
"He was selfless and was happiest with a beer, a cigar and good conversation. To me, the mark of a great man is when the little people admire and love you. That was certainly the case with Erk. He was the heart and soul of Georgia football for the years he was here." - Smith.
"His accomplishments in the football program were tremendous. ... Just as importantly, however, were the morals and ethics Erk instilled in his players and the positive impact he made on people he met in everyday life. His motto of 'Just do right' was his rule book on how to live one's life." - Grube.
From the Atlanta-Journal Constitution, compiled by Tony Barnhart, Bill Sanders and Carter Strickland
Larry Munson, voice of the Bulldogs: "He was a threatening personality up close ? you know, he might have invented the head butt. He meant an awful lot to this school's program and he'll be missed."
Bill Harper, longtime Georgia fan: "Coach Russell was Georgia defense. He's the one who coined the term 'Junkyard Dawgs.' Whenever you saw Erk, he would always ask you how your family was doing. He was awesome. This just makes me want to cry."
Frank Ros, captain of Georgia's 1980 national championship team: "There's so many quotes that he he used to use that we ? me and other former players ? find ourselves using to our kids and not even knowing it. Things like: 'Men, it's another day in which to excel.' "
Danny Ford, former Clemson coach: "I can still remember looking across the sideline at that old bad head that was bleeding and thinking, 'Boy, I hope he ain't playing.' I really feel bad today for all the Georgia people. I know this is going to hit them hard."
Hugh Nall, Auburn assistant coach and former Georgia player: "People will never completed understand what Coach Russell meant to the whole world of football. He was a great coach and a great man. There will never be another like him."
Pat Dye, former Auburn coach and former Georgia player: "He was one of the all-time greats. Coach Russell's players loved him as much as any coach I have ever seen. He had a lot to do with Georgia's success for all those years and what he did at Georgia Southern speaks for itself. This is a sad day."
Mac McWhorter, Texas offensive line coach and All-SEC guard at Georgia in 1973: "My parents still have a framed letter in their house that Coach Russell wrote to them when I left Georgia. It didn't matter that I played offense. Coach Russell loved and cared about every player on that team. This is a tough one. This one is hard to take."