JaMarcus Russell shares ideal NFL comeback scenario

Jim Corbett, USA TODAY Sports | USATODAY

SAN DIEGO – A leaner, focused and 281-pound JaMarcus Russell dispelled the misconception lurking out there that he canceled a Wednesday pro day for teams interested in his comeback bid.

The plan all along has been to make a personal visit to teams such as the Chicago Bears, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets and anyone else wanting a close-up look when the 2009 No. 1 overall pick dropped well below the 315 pounds he weighed two months ago.

"We never had a pro day date scheduled,'' Russell told USA TODAY Sports after an impressive Tuesday workout with former Pro Bowl quarterback Jeff Garcia and 12 NFL and college players. "We came up with the idea that if teams were interested, we'd go in there and work out at their place. It would be better with them having all their coaches there at the same time.

"It would be better for me, too.''

After a strong 51-for-60 throwing showcase in which his accuracy, footwork, conditioning, and focus looked sharp, Russell said he hopes to ultimately prove deserving of another starting opportunity in the NFL.

He has been working six days a week since Feb. 7 with Garcia, TEST Academy CEO Brian Martin and former San Diego Chargers strength and conditioning coach Jeff Hurd to reach his current 15% body fat.

Russell said it's important that he go to "the right place that has that veteran I can go sit behind'' so he can work his way back after being out of the league since the Oakland Raiders released him in May 2010. But teams were waiting until Russell worked his way back into ideal shape.

"Everybody's kind of waiting to see where his weight is, and when he gets close to weight they want to bring him in and evaluate him,'' Martin said.

The Bears and Cardinals fit Garcia's wish list for Russell.

"Those are two ideal teams: You've got Carson Palmer with Arizona and Jay Cutler with Chicago, two quarterbacks who aren't real mobile guys who are more back-in-the-pocket guys, that fits JaMarcus' playing style,'' Garcia said. "That would be great for him. Hopefully, it's all real.''