MINNEAPOLIS, MN - April 14, 2017 - The Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation is pleased to announce Totino-Grace High School senior Joe Russell as a 2017 Scholar Athlete. Russell and the other winners, chosen for academic excellence, leadership and community involvement, will be recognized at the 10 Year Anniversary of the Minnesota Football Honors on Sunday, May 7 at U.S. Bank Stadium.

Russell closed out his prep career with a Class 6A state title last fall and earned All-State and All-District recognition in the process. The Eagles’ team captain and MVP went on to be named Defensive Player of the Game in the Minnesota Football Showcase. Russell was a two-year starter at safety and wide receiver. He recorded 60 tackles and four interceptions before earning All-Metro honors as a senior. He was also a track and field captain and played basketball for two years.

Russell earned Academic All-State accolades as a constant on Totino-Grace’s “A” honor roll. He takes honors classes and participates in National Honor Society. Russell intends to study mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota, where he will continue his football career with the Gophers.

In the community, Russell’s volunteer efforts have included work with elementary school children, Feed My Starving Children and youth football camps. He went on a weeklong mission trip to El Paso, Texas, and also participated in a two-day mission in Minneapolis.

The 10 Year Anniversary of the Minnesota Football Honors will be held Sunday, May 7, 2017 at U.S. Bank Stadium. College and professional football Hall of Fame inductees are scheduled to attend to celebrate the best of Minnesota football. The largest football awards event in the state is presented by the Minnesota Vikings. The event is open to the public. To register or find additional information about this year’s Minnesota Football Honors, please visit www.minnesotafootballhonors.com. For sponsorship information, please email lindsay@nffmn.org

##

About the Minnesota Chapter of the National Football Foundation:
The Minnesota Chapter of The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame is a local non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and develop the power of amateur football in developing the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, competitive spirit and academic excellence in Minnesota’s young people. The MN Chapter recognizes legendary football icons, college football Hall of Famers and Minnesota’s top high school and college football scholar athletes. For more information, visit www.nffmn.org, Facebook or Twitter.

Contact:
Lindsay Lommel, Event Manager
MN Chapter of The National Football Foundation
lindsay@nffmn.org