Warrior profile: Russell Jr overcomes dark times, grateful to God, family, Shabazz

TT men's footballer Ross Russell Jr says prayer, faith in God and a strong support system have helped to reignite his career after he was wrongfully incarcerated for two years.

Russell Jr, 31, the son of former national goalkeeper Ross Russell, was released from prison on August 20, 2018, after the Director of Public Prosecutions issued a notice of discontinuance of the murder charge.

The notice was issued after Russell’s attorney Criston J Williams made a no-case submission. He submitted that despite his client having seven alibi witnesses, the police failed to investigate, and still charged his client.

The Terminix La Horquetta Rangers left back, who is known for his endless energy and bombarding runs down the wing, made his Soca Warriors debut just a year after his release from prison. Russell now has over ten senior caps for TT, but said his journey has not been an easy one, as he felt everybody had turned against him.

"It was an unfortunate situation for me – because I was innocent. Every day when I was incarcerated I was praying, because that's a very difficult position to be in," Russell said during an interview with Newsday. "It felt as though the whole country was against me. I was just eager to show that I was innocent. I had to come out and be positive. I know what I could do. And I do my best with God."

A former TT Pro League winner with Defence Force, Russell  said his parents never left his side during his dark times.

They "used to come and visit me every week. They never missed a visit. Everyone was praying for me and rooting for me, because they knew I was innocent."

On his release at 27, Russell received a huge vote of confidence from Guyana men's football coach and Morvant Caledonia United co-founder Jamaal Shabazz.

"The same day I came out (of prison) I wanted to go back and play with the Defence Force. Unfortunately, it couldn't happen," he said. "Jamaal Shabazz called me the same day and told me he would take me with open arms in Caledonia."

A change in position came for Russell, and Shabazz's faith in the lanky flanker also saw a change in his fate.

"Shabazz told me I would be switching positions. He said he liked how I played in the left-back position. Before I got locked up, I played as a left winger. He guaranteed that once I played left back, I would make the national team. And so said, so done."

On September 7, 2019, Russell's first taste of redemption came as he debuted for TT away to Martinique in a Concacaf Nations League (CNL) A match at the Stade Pierre-Aliker. His debut came under ex- TT World Cup defender Dennis Lawrence.

Russell said he had always dreamed of emulating his dad.

"Since I was a child I wanted to be like my father. I wanted to follow in his footsteps and get the opportunity to wear the national colours, so it was always a dream for me because he played at the international level as well.

"It's a joy for me to represent my country. After seeing my dad play and being at his games and stuff, and seeing the crowd, I always wanted to be a part of it so that's how it started for me."

Russell featured sporadically for TT over the next couple of years. He then found favour with current senior team coach Angus Eve, who included him in his 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup squad. After getting past the Gold Cup preliminary stage, Russell was a member of the TT team which held Concacaf giants Mexico to a creditable goalless draw in their opening group match.

He says playing against the nine-time Gold Cup champions was the most difficult game of his career.

"I didn't really know the players we were coming up against. It was after the game where I really checked and saw players like Hector Herrera, Jesus Corona and these guys.

"That was also the hardest game I've played at the international level. There were more local players in the team at the time and there was no league in Trinidad due to covid19. Majority of the local players started that game and it was really difficult, because you had to concentrate for every second."

Russell found himself on the fringe of the national team once again, before appearing in a pair of friendlies against St Martin and Guatemala earlier this year. He did not make the cut for the 2023 Gold Cup, but he remained consistent with Rangers in the inaugural TT Premier Football League campaign.

After TT's first round Gold Cup exit, Russell has again taken his place in the TT setup. TT have won their opening CNL 2203/24 matches versus Curacao and El Salvador, with Russell featuring from the start in both games.

"My favourite moments with the national team so far (have) to be the last two Concacaf Nations League A matches. Having failed in the (2023) Concacaf Gold Cup, to bounce back and win two games – especially the El Salvador game. That was the first time we won in El Salvador so that was massive for me."

Though he admitted he has shortcomings on the defensive end, the left-winger-turned-left back says he brings value to the team.

"I think (what stands out) is my energy and my willingness to go forward. I think what I possess going forward makes me different from other players in (TT) who play my position."