When the Raiders selected QB JaMarcus Russell with the first overall pick in 2007, they did so with the expectation that he would be the franchise player they’ve been missing in the position since Rich Gannon led them to the Super Bowl in 2003.

But issues with his weight, a poor work ethic, and inability to make the throws necessary at this level seem to have doomed Russell from the start of his career, and while Oakland continued to stand by him through multiple losing seasons, his days as the starter for the Raiders came to an end earlier this season.

Replaced by journeyman QB Bruce Gradkowski, Oakland has reeled off several victories over quality opponents, and as such, Russell is now relegated to clipboard duty on the bench. Obviously, that hasn’t sat too well with the former LSU standout, and he voiced some of his frustration yesterday during an interview with the Associated Press.

“We all have road bumps in our life and this just happens to be one bump. People are going to have their opinion, and I really don’t pay too much attention to that. I worry about JaMarcus and JaMarcus only.”

– Oakland quarterback JaMarcus Russell

Russell was embarrassed with being removed from the starting lineup and has thus far refused to discuss a potential pay cut that is likely looming in the off-season. He also contended that several players on the Raiders offense that were playing poorly behind him have stepped up their efforts under Gradkowski, insinuating that the team quit on him as the starting quarterback.

For his part, Russell is working much harder in practice and expects to be the starter next season. Much of that will depend on whether the team still views him as a legitimate long term solution, but given owner Al Davis’ stated belief that Russell is capable of being the starter in Oakland, there is little doubt that he’ll have every opportunity to win the job next year.

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