The No. 1 Pick of '91 Has a Son on the Packers Roster and Every Father Needs to Read This Right Now
Alright, 12s, listen up. You know we bleed green and blue here in the Emerald City, but sometimes, a story from outside our turf is so dang good, you just gotta share it. And with Father's Day upon us, this one hits different. We're talking about NFL royalty, Russell Maryland, the guy who was the No. 1 pick in the 1991 NFL Draft and snagged three Super Bowl rings. Guess what? His son, RJ Maryland, is now a rookie tight end with the Green Bay Packers. How cool is that?
Like Father, Like Son: The Legacy Continues
This is truly one of those moments that gives you chills. Russell Maryland, a true legend who even finished his illustrious career starting 16 games for those same Packers in 2000, is watching his son step onto an NFL field. It's an incredible full-circle moment. You can feel the pride radiating off him, and who wouldn't? "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," Russell said, and man, you can hear the emotion in that. "If anybody has a son or a daughter, for that matter, but in this case, the son to make it to the highest level of the professional ranks of the NFL, it’s always a special thing. So, I am 100, 1,000 percent behind him.” That's a dad who's all in, and we absolutely love to see it!
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From Chauffeur Dad to Proud NFL Father
But this isn't just about football glory. Russell Maryland’s journey after his playing days tells a story that resonates with every parent out there. He spent his retirement being a "cheerleader dad," a "volleyball dad," and a chauffeur for his two older daughters who were track and volleyball athletes, and cheerleaders. He gets it. "To see a kid get out there and take charge of something and really work to be really good at something, and it doesn’t matter if it’s sports, it’s rewarding." He’s not kidding! That dedication, whether it’s playing the flute or dominating on the field, that's the good stuff.
And those early mornings with RJ? Russell's got fond memories. Ten minutes before the bus came, they’d be outside. Basketball season meant dribbling and shooting. Football season meant throwing and catching. Fifty extra minutes a week, year after year, just honing skills. RJ started playing when he was just six years old, with his dad right there, sharing a love for the game. That’s commitment, that’s love, and that’s how you build a future NFL player.
What's Next for RJ?
RJ Maryland caught passes at the Scouting Combine and he's already shown up at rookie minicamp for the Packers. The road ahead for any rookie tight end is tough, but with that kind of support, that kind of foundation, and that kind of legacy to draw from, you can bet RJ is ready to make his own mark. We'll be keeping an eye on this kid, rooting for him to carve out his own incredible NFL journey. It’s a testament to hard work, family, and chasing your dreams.
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.