ALWAYS A SECOND CHANCE!

  Chicago, Ill;  Former LSU quarterback and former NFL overall #1 draft pick by the Oakland Raiders Jamarcus Russell has signed a two year deal with the ASFL's Chicago Stags, according to a statement delivered by a team spokesperson early Friday.

Russell, who hasn't played since 2009 participated in last Saturdays combine in Atlanta. He did not work out in the Sunday combine. Russell who weighed in at 310 pounds wore a brace on his left knee showed he still has a cannon for an arm, though looking a bit awkward at times.

Russell worked out Tuesday and Wednesday at the Stags training facility.  He seemed relaxed and comfortable often joking with coaches.  He showed enough to get offered an contract. Russell threw passes to Chad Johnson who also is in negotiations with the Stags.

" Jamarcus showed a bit of rust, but this is understandable. I have had several discussions with him ( Russell ) and he has shown a sincere desire to play football.  I personally believe he can contribute alot to this team. I believe everyone deserves a second chance in life and this is Jamarcus's.  He understands how this works out is up to him. Nothing is guaranteed. " said Stags head coach Pat Shurmer.

Russell was 21-4 as a starter for LSU and was voted MVP of the 2007 Sugar Bowl.

As a Raider, Russell threw for 4,083 yards, 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. His passer rating was 65.2


Other news: Gary Kubiak has backed out of his contract as head coach of the ASFL's  Arizona Scorpions to take the Denver Broncos position...  Former Ohio State quarterback Terrell Pryor signed a three year deal with the Columbus Explorers. The deal reunites Pryor with his former college head coach Jim Tressle.