LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette tweeted yesterday that former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell would be returning to Baton Rouge to take classes in the fall. In his honor, we've cut you the opening credits of Welcome Back, JaMarcus.


Russell was the first overall pick in the 2007 draft after a splendid college career, but he didn't fare so hot in the pros. Russell didn't play much his first season, after holding out during training camp until he received $31.5 million in guaranteed money. The next year, 2008, Russell looked okay—13 touchdowns, eight interceptions, a 53.8 completion percentage. Not great, but something he could build on, you know. And then came 2009: Russell threw three touchdowns and 11 interceptions before eventually being benched for Bruce Gradkowski. He lost six fumbles. Then Russell was arrested, in 2010, on purple drank-related offenses, but a grand jury declined to indict him. But by that point, the Raiders had already released him and his 300-ish pounds.

Russell was unable to catch on with another team, and accordingly, he'll return to school, hat in hand and millions in the bank. Welcome Back, JaMarcus! (And yes, we realize that the footage in the trailer should really be college highlights, but those are actually pretty good. The Raiders stuff is just more fun.) Anyway. Summer Friday.