Concordia University St. Paul Athletics

A 1977 graduate from Minneapolis Central, Russell Gary brings a wide range of experience to the Concordia program. He earned All-Big Eight and All-American honors under legendary Nebraska coach Tom Osborne.

After graduating in 1981, Gary was drafted in the second round (29th overall) of the 1981 NFL draft by the New Orleans Saints. There, he helped the Saints rank in the top five in total defense in 1982, 1983 and 1984 in the prime of his career. He was named All-Pro First Team (UPI) in 1983, recording a career-high three interceptions before making 189 tackles with 10 passes defended in 1984. He finished his final year and a half with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Gary currently resides in and works for the City of Minneapolis. He has been a key coach in Concordia's secondary dating back to the 2004 season, working under three different head football coaches.