A Super Bowl Champ's Son Got His Shot And His Dad's 1,000 Percent Support Tells You Everything

Alright, 12s, listen up! While our Hawks are gearing up for another legendary season, there's a story brewing out of Green Bay that's all about legacy, grit, and what it truly means to make it to the NFL. We're talking about Russell Maryland, the absolute legend who was the No. 1 pick in the 1991 NFL Draft and a three-time Super Bowl champion. But here's the kicker: his son, RJ Maryland, is now a rookie tight end, signing with the Packers after the draft. That's a huge deal, and Russell's got some powerful words about it.

From No. 1 Pick to Proud Dad: "1,000 Percent Behind Him"

You know how special it is when your kids achieve big things, right? Russell Maryland absolutely gets it. This guy wrapped up his Hall of Fame-level career starting 16 games for the Packers in 2000, and now his own son is stepping onto that very same professional stage. Russell is beyond hyped, 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 doubled down on that emotion, adding, "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." When a legend gives that kind of backing, you know the kid's got something. It's not handed to him, it's earned, and the pride i

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n his dad's voice is undeniable.

The Daily Grind: Morning Workouts and Dad Duties

Think making it to the NFL is all about raw talent? Think again. Russell Maryland revealed the kind of dedication RJ had from a young age, and it’s a blueprint for anyone chasing a dream. Russell spent his retirement not only cheering on his two older daughters in track, volleyball, and cheerleading, but also acting as a "chauffeur" and dedicated coach for RJ. He shared some awesome memories: "We’d get outside and, if it was basketball season and he was doing basketball, we’d work on right-hand dribble, left-hand dribble, work on your shooting form right outside on the street waiting for the bus for 10 minutes." And when it was football season? They'd "throw the football, catch the football, and just do that for 10 minutes before the bus came." That adds up, people! "By the time the week was out, he had 50 minutes extra working on different skills," Russell explained. RJ's journey started at age 6, with years of those small, consistent efforts. That's the grind. That's the commitment that takes you from a kid throwing a ball to an NFL rookie. So, as RJ Maryland steps onto the field for his rookie season with the Packers, know that he’s got the legacy of a No. 1 draft pick and Super Bowl champ behind him, plus the work ethic instilled by years of morning drills. It’s a testament to what hard work and a supportive family can do. We'll be keeping an eye on this kid, rooting for him to make his own mark!

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