“He found the best guy in the nation and it happened to be Dr. Emery up in Morgantown,” Russell said. “He’s a fine guy and knows what he does, and he did a great job. The surgery went perfect. Everything is back to 100 percent. The only thing I’m concerned with right now is building the muscle back, and that will come.”

Russell has been undergoing rehabilitation and believes his neck will return to full range of motion in two months. He’s been throwing the ball for several weeks.

“The range of motion is right at 99 percent,” Russell said. “I keep working. It’s a little stiff. I’m only four months outside of surgery. It will take about six months to get full range of anything. I’m right there and it should come back pretty quick.”

Russell’s family has been a great support along with his Baylor coaches and teammates. But he has also received encouragement from many people outside of his immediate circle including other Big 12 coaches and players.

Former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III visited him when he was hospitalized in Morgantown.