The 10 Minutes a Day That Made RJ Maryland an NFL Rookie, and Every Dad in the Emerald City Needs to Hear It

Okay, Seattle, you gotta hear this story. It’s not about our guys tearing it up on Lumen Field right now, but it’s a powerful one about legacy, hard work, and what it really means to chase a dream to the highest level of the NFL. We’re talking about RJ Maryland, a rookie tight end who just signed with the Green Bay Packers. But the real headline? His dad, none other than NFL legend and three-time Super Bowl champ Russell Maryland, is absolutely bursting with pride, saying he’s "100 , 1,000 , percent behind him." Seriously, how cool is that?

When Your Dad's an NFL Legend

Imagine following in the footsteps of a guy who was the No. 1 pick in the 1991 NFL Draft and wrapped up his incredible career with the Packers back in 2000. That’s the legacy RJ Maryland is stepping into. His dad, Russell, started 16 games for Green Bay in his final season, and now his son is donning the same colors. Russell Maryland put it perfectly, saying it’s "an incredible feeling to know that he even has a shot to do something that I was able to do all those years ago." He's right, getting to the pros is a special thing, especially when it’s your kid making it to the big leagues. It’s the kind of story that makes you stand up and cheer for any player who reaches this point.

The "Cheerlead

Trade on Every Game with Kalshi

Click Here to sign up to Kalshi — Free $10 when you sign up using our link or use code: ONTAPSEA. The only federally regulated prediction market in the US. Trade on real sports outcomes. Available in all 50 states.

er Dad" and the 10-Minute Secret But Russell Maryland's story isn’t just about his own NFL glory. After retiring, he embraced a different, equally rewarding phase of life: being a "cheerleader dad." He spent his retirement shuttling his two older daughters, who were track and volleyball athletes and cheerleaders, to their meets. He loved seeing his kids "take charge of something and really work to be really good at something." He's all about fostering that drive, whether it's in sports or playing the flute. And for RJ? Their secret weapon was 10 minutes a day. Every morning, waiting for the bus, they’d work on basketball drills or throw and catch a football. Over years, that stacked up to 50 extra minutes a week of skill work. Russell loved having the time and ability to work with RJ on something they both absolutely loved, ever since RJ started sports at six years old. It's a testament to consistent effort and a dad who showed up, literally every day. This story isn't just about football, it's about the everyday grind, the parental support, and the sheer joy of seeing your kid chase their dreams. For Seattle fans, whether you're a parent or not, it’s a reminder of the foundational work that goes into making it to the NFL. Can RJ Maryland carve out his own legacy? With that kind of backing and work ethic, you bet we'll be watching to see what this rookie tight end can do in the league.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.