Colorado University Athletics
From Walk-On to the Biggest Stage: Brady Russell’s NFL Journey Continues in Seattle
December 30, 2025 | Football
BOULDER — The road from walk-on to the NFL is rarely linear, but former Colorado tight end Brady Russell has built his career on doing the work that earns trust — first in Boulder and now on one of the league's biggest stages.
Russell has carved out a key role with the Seattle Seahawks, contributing as a dependable fullback and a core member of the Seahawks' special teams units as Seattle heads into one of the most consequential regular-season finales in franchise history.
Seattle closes the regular season on Jan. 3 with a winner-take-all showdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, with the NFC West Division title and playoff positioning on the line. The stakes are simple: win and secure the division crown — and potentially home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs — or risk a much tougher road to the Super Bowl.
For Russell, the moment represents another step in a journey defined by persistence.
Originally arriving at Colorado as a walk-on, Russell steadily worked his way into the Buffaloes' rotation, becoming known for his physicality, blocking reliability and willingness to contribute wherever needed. Those traits translated to the professional level, where earning a roster spot often depends less on highlight plays and more on consistency, preparation and versatility.
That approach has paid off in Seattle, where Russell has become a trusted presence on special teams while continuing to develop as a fullback/tight end in the Seahawks' offensive system.
Beyond the field, Russell has also made an impact in the community. Earlier this season, he was named the Seahawks' Salute to Service nominee, spending Veterans Day alongside local veterans in recognition of their service. The honor reflected the same values that defined his time at Colorado: humility, accountability and leadership.
As the Seahawks prepare for a postseason-defining matchup, Russell's role may not always appear in box scores, but it's one coaches rely on — and teammates trust — when games matter most.
From walk-on beginnings in Boulder to meaningful snaps in an NFL playoff race, Brady Russell continues to prove that the foundation built at Colorado travels well — all the way to January football.
Russell has carved out a key role with the Seattle Seahawks, contributing as a dependable fullback and a core member of the Seahawks' special teams units as Seattle heads into one of the most consequential regular-season finales in franchise history.
Seattle closes the regular season on Jan. 3 with a winner-take-all showdown against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium, with the NFC West Division title and playoff positioning on the line. The stakes are simple: win and secure the division crown — and potentially home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs — or risk a much tougher road to the Super Bowl.
For Russell, the moment represents another step in a journey defined by persistence.
Originally arriving at Colorado as a walk-on, Russell steadily worked his way into the Buffaloes' rotation, becoming known for his physicality, blocking reliability and willingness to contribute wherever needed. Those traits translated to the professional level, where earning a roster spot often depends less on highlight plays and more on consistency, preparation and versatility.
That approach has paid off in Seattle, where Russell has become a trusted presence on special teams while continuing to develop as a fullback/tight end in the Seahawks' offensive system.
Beyond the field, Russell has also made an impact in the community. Earlier this season, he was named the Seahawks' Salute to Service nominee, spending Veterans Day alongside local veterans in recognition of their service. The honor reflected the same values that defined his time at Colorado: humility, accountability and leadership.
As the Seahawks prepare for a postseason-defining matchup, Russell's role may not always appear in box scores, but it's one coaches rely on — and teammates trust — when games matter most.
From walk-on beginnings in Boulder to meaningful snaps in an NFL playoff race, Brady Russell continues to prove that the foundation built at Colorado travels well — all the way to January football.
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