LSU's Lane Kiffin Reunites with Former QB JaMarcus Russell

The two spent a brief time together on the Oakland Raiders in the late 2000s.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:19am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in geometric shapes and planes, abstracting the forms of two men in an intense, dynamic interaction, conveying the tension and significance of their reunion.A cubist interpretation of the reunion between LSU coach Lane Kiffin and former Tigers QB JaMarcus Russell, capturing the complex legacy and energy of their shared history.Baton Rouge Today

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin welcomed former Tigers quarterback JaMarcus Russell to the team's practice on Tuesday. Kiffin and Russell had a brief stint together with the Oakland Raiders from 2007 to 2008. While the reunion sparked some criticism from fans, Kiffin said he is opening the LSU facilities to former players to acknowledge their contributions to the program.

Why it matters

JaMarcus Russell was a highly touted prospect who was drafted first overall by the Raiders in 2007, but his NFL career was derailed by weight issues and poor performance. The reunion with Kiffin, who was also with the Raiders during Russell's time there, is notable given Russell's status as one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history.

The details

Kiffin shared a photo of himself and Russell on social media, with the caption '#JustDifferent ⁦@Raiders @LSUfootball⁩ 18 years later.' Kiffin said he is opening the LSU facilities to former players as a way to acknowledge their contributions to the program. Russell starred for LSU from 2003 to 2006, winning the Manning Award and earning a spot on the All-SEC First Team in his senior year.

  • Russell played for LSU from 2003 to 2006.
  • Russell was drafted 1st overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2007.
  • Kiffin spent 20 games with the Raiders from 2007 to 2008.

The players

Lane Kiffin

The head coach of the LSU football team, who previously had a brief stint with the Oakland Raiders from 2007 to 2008.

JaMarcus Russell

A former quarterback who starred for LSU from 2003 to 2006, winning the Manning Award and earning a spot on the All-SEC First Team in his senior year. He was drafted 1st overall by the Oakland Raiders in 2007, but his NFL career was derailed by weight issues and poor performance.

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What they’re saying

“Biggest bust in NFL history. Congrats, LSU!”

— @BigCountryTakes

“Not a bad guy, not a bad QB. Insanely talented. Just immature. People love to pile on cause it's easy.”

— @illbearound2024

“Lane with the fake smile, LOL. He wanted Calvin Johnson, but Al wasn't hearing it.”

— @mtlsportsfan_

“In a different world, both of y'all have three rings and JaMarcus is retiring as a HOF.”

— @RealRawSports1

“As a Raiders & LSU fan, this picture could turn out as one of the worst pictures of all time.”

— @MendozaMuse

The takeaway

This reunion between Kiffin and Russell highlights the complex legacy of one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. While Russell's professional career never lived up to the hype, his college success at LSU remains an important part of the program's history. Kiffin's efforts to reconnect with former players like Russell suggest a desire to heal old wounds and build bridges within the LSU community.