Let's Take A Deeper Look At JaMarcus Russell's (Not So) Secret Addiction 

One thing I absolutely love about Flem is his ability to understand both sides of a story and the ability the have empathy for others I wish a lot of the big ESPN commentators and broadcasters take notes from you , You will always be my favorite content creator bro!

Just want to say I see all of the production effort you're putting into your videos; the new intro, the polish, the look... you got it popping bro. Glad I was here during your growth to witness your progress firsthand

When you described Jamarcus dealing with the lose of his uncles by himself after he was drafted, it reminded me of my own situation when I came home from Afghanistan and got divorced and had to deal with that all alone as well. I gained like 80 lbs and turned to drinking too, after going through this I learned that Mental Health is just as important to Physical Health. Glad it’s paid a lot more attention to in todays world.

When your mental isn’t right, even the most gifted physical specimen is a shell of themselves. This is the first video that humanizes Jamarcus. Good work FlemLo!

Drugs, dude....drugs ruin lives. Something we all have in common, from a king to a pauper, drugs can get to anyone

I hope JaMarcus Russell actually gets to see this. I feel you brought new light to his story(at least for me).

I'm a recovering opiate addict myself and I feel this man's pain. I understand it, I myself struggled with depression and the opiates were the only thing that took my mental and physical pain away and made me feel "normal". It's a cold world we are living in and at the end of the day we are all human and we all have our different struggles in life. Be kind when you can and to who you can, because you just never really know what a person is going thru. Peace and love everyone

Maaaan hearing this story... I will never call this man a bust again. I knew he went through hardships but I didn't know it was this damn intense and wild. I saw JaMarcus college film back in the day and could not fathom how he dropped so bad. There was definitely a contributing factor I thought. Now I see. JaMarcus, I apologize for never looking at the situation from a different angle. Great video FlemLo

Dude, I don't even watch the NFL, but you're such a great storyteller, I keep coming back for more. Love the content!

I talked a lot of trash about Russell when he got drafted and during his career. I thank you for humanizing the man and putting me in check for what I said. I'll never be able to look the man in the eye and apologize, but I sincerely feel horrible finding out all of the things this man had going on in his life. Addiction, loss of loved ones, and mental health issues are bigger than football. Thank you for making this video, FlemLo.

This story was told so well. You amaze me with how you bring these guys perspectives & stories out. I always found it odd how the media & teammates was bashing Russell. This side of the story was never told and now I'm glad it was.

Great production value. Your vids seem to never get static, they keep it moving and keep people engaged. No matter the story or the subject/topic, I can genuinely see the effort and care put into these. Thank you.

JaMarcus uncle sounded like something in New Orleans was trying get him to the after life, its weird vibes out there a lot of spirits and that story just conforms it even more. Shout to you bro

The blank game tape that Jamarcus lied and told coaches he studied has to be one of the most embarrassing sport stories I’ve heard.

We all are busts at something or even our own lives. One thing about life is there's always ups and downs and it's not always fair. Jamarcus was and is my fav all time QB! I'm an LSU tiger and I watched every Jamarcus snap. Amazing talent! Hated when the media tried tearing him to pieces. It's whatever but still got love and respect for Jamarcus and always will! Geaux Tigers!

Flemlo, I appreciate the level of compassion with which you approach a story. All that guaranteed money and this guy can’t show up prepared. That’s because money can’t treat addiction and pain. Recovery from addiction and trauma has to be done by each man himself. That’s hard work.

Thank you for doing this story. I’m a Raiders fan and I always questioned how the so called “savior” to the franchise could throw it all away and this shows everyone is human and sometimes no one see’s that. It’s messed up how no one helped or noticed what was going on. Shout out to Jamarcus, hope he’s in a better state mentally and in life 🙏🏼

“Cue da Wayne” so iconic bro. Love it

FlemLo almost 1 mil. Love your passion for football. The way you word everything so real and look introspectively and connect your life struggles. You got that Marshawn Lynch swagger.

I NEEDED this video... life hasn't been kind to me lately...and you just reminded me to take that negative energy and use it as fuel for my motivation...Appreciate you @FlemLo Raps and SALUTE to JaMarcus for battling through and still being able to be an asset to his family

Brother well said story I was born and raised in Mobile ALA Jamarcus, Marcus,Albert,Abd Uncle Ray are good friends of mine and your story brother hit it dead on that kid gad it hard from day one the Russell's are good great people Jamarcus is a legend I Mobile he was rifleman can throw a mile he just needed sumbody to understand what he was going through as a man and a kid cause he was still a kid at heart he just needed to have the time to heal

Hands down one of the best RU-vidrs I've ever watched. Unbelievable respect for how you approach your storytelling. Much love.

I love this style of content you are doing here. How deeply you though about each situation to illustrate a different prospective really humanizes these stories that so often get brushed aside by the mainstream. I know I have been guilty of thinking the same way, which is why it is so eye opening. I felt it bro, and I appreciate you for that!

Flemlo.. you constantly bring me new perspectives. I legit can't count how many times you influenced me changing my mind based on how I feel about athletes. I appreciate TF out of you dude. Seriously. Much love brew.

I had no idea about all of this. He went through so much. Thank you Flemlo for always telling people's story so beautifully. BTW your videos are one of the few things my husband and I can watch together.

As a man that is currently trying to get back on a maintenance medication in suboxone to get me off street opiates and struggling this video hits hard. The stuff can ruin your life. It took everything from me. If you know anybody struggling just help them the best way you can. Get them to treatment asap.

Just watched the newest pivot podcast with Jamarcus. Scrolled through the comments.. saw some comment on how you just did a new/ update video on him.. now I watch your video and you literally say.. he should go in the Pivot. 🙏🏾 bro you caused this. The pivot owe you 💯.

The way you told this story…wow! Your voice is incredible. I’m so glad you did JaMarcus’ story. I was just talking about him not too long ago. We saw a glimpse of him at one of LSU’s last games. I had no idea he went through all of that and I’m so sorry for him. We wondered what could have happened to such a great talent. He still needs to be lifted up in prayer. God, please help!

R.I.P. Dj screw , Big Moe, Pimp C , and all the fallen soldiers ! Big respect from Beaumont, Texas FlemLo 💯

I just love how you can tell these stories with genuine empathy and care for the subjects without justifying their actions. Your video about Lawrence Phillips really gave me a new perspective, and I felt like I finally understood him...

Flemlo, this is truly an awesome video. I have watch your evolution from playing NCAA 14 to this masterpiece of social commentary. This is a great spotlight on the mental pressures that men are faced with and the coping mechanisms used to deal with it. You out here doing the Lord's work, bro. Stay on your grind.

Bro you were given the story telling potential and killed it. Always great content. Thank you.

S/O Jamarcus. Being born and raised in Mobile,Al we had no celebrities so whenever someone made a National platform, it truly invigorated the city and made us feel present on a national stage and that there’s a future for our city and state

After hearing all this back story about this man and what he went thru I looked at him and completely feel for the guy and what he went thru.. from losing close family members to have addiction problem it's honestly amazing he was even practicing and trying to make it

Man, I appreciate this story and the way in which you’ve shared it. Respectful, compassionate, and nonjudgmental. Much respect. All of the media covering the story only concentrates on performance. When you don’t perform, you’re done. I get it. It’s a business but don’t take the humanity out of the situation. He’s a person with a family and deserves a chance to communicate his side of his experience. I hope he has recovered and maintained his sobriety. 👊🏽👍🏽🙏🏽

Really appreciate and admire the way you help this man have some understanding. With so many slamming Jamarcus, you telling us what time it really is. Thanks, respect

As someone who struggles with addiction, that was started with a doctor’s prescription with Xanax I can tell you that when you’re going through withdrawals tryna get your mind and body right to the point of being a pro athlete is gotta be damn near impossible. I’m just glad russell is still with us and some people might consider him a “bust” but it sounds like he’s fought demons from such a young age that some of y’all couldn’t even imagine. So props to dude for even making it to the nfl and as a raiders fan I wish you luck in your journey of life jamarcus

I'm 34 and have been subscribed to you ever since you released a "what happened to Justin blackmon" video many years ago. I'm a big big diehard Oklahoma State fan and Justin's story is just so devestating because he very well could've become one of the all time greats. Addiction knows no color or class. Anyways reason I mention this is because watching one of your videos brings on a sense of nostalgia. It brings me peace and allows my anxiety to go away. You're easily one of my all time, maybe even top RU-vidr of all time. Keep doing you bro!

And just want to add, your production and delivery is very good and I appreciate your content. You have a very cool, calm and collected voice and delivery to the story. Makes for good story telling.

You do a great job of humanizing these players. It’s easy for us on our couch to clown them as busts or lazy/saying they don’t love football when we have no idea what’s going on in their life.

Never one to disappoint Lo. I don't think people have ever thought about players as the regular people they are before ppl like you came along. I feel for JaM frfr. Losing family like that hurts deep and everyone being critical of everything you do has to suck

I love this channel. We are the same age, and were both NCAA D1 athletes at the same time. We also have Similar stories about how that part/time of our lives ended... I can't get enough of this channel. Been here since the 1st JaMarcus Russel video!

Excellent job. Your approach to this topic was journalism at its best. You answered deeper questions than what is seen on the surface or what the media projects. You dug deep into why things happened instead of just giving stats. It's refreshing to hear an athletes story from a human perspective rather than just an attention grabbing crash & burn story. I look forward to future content. It will be interesting to see true stories like these when the unforgiving business of sports cast away a person and doesn't shed a understanding light on what is really going on with that individual... well done. Thanks.

I know this is one of your older vids but I just have to say your an amazing storyteller my friend. Your got the voice, cadence, inflections, the whole package. Keep grinding, the algorithm is pushing right now.

He really was the man at LSU. He would have been something incredibly special if he'd worked as hard as a Raider as he did as a Tiger. What separates the busts from the greats is that the busts take their eyes off the prize and get lazy when their name gets called. The greats know that the work is just beginning. More than that, the biggest difference between the busts and the greats is how they respond to adversity. I hate that we were robbed of MVP years in the pros, but I'm glad JaMarcus is in a beter place mentally.

Bro, I've been following you for a long time after I randomly discovered your channel one day. I RESPECT THE HELL OUTTA YOU for approaching every topic, every story, and every person with so much respect and deference, and above all, you do NOT let your audience forget that, under the helmet and under the shoulder pads, there is a human being. Several pro athletes that I used to turn my nose up at once a upon a time -- even though I have no right to do so because I'm just a random dude who is no better than anyone -- I now look at in a new light. YOU did that. YOU challenged me to humble myself, come off the "high horse" so to speak. THANK YOU. Thank you, man. You challenge your viewers, and invite us to look at people from a different perspective -- all without lecturing us, talking down to us, or preaching at us. You invite us to remember our humanity. I'm rambling at this point so I'll shut up now. Thank you again, so much.

Stumbled on this vid, now I’m subscribed. Quality work, and compassion which it rare

EXCELLENT video my guy 👏 👏.. this is a perfect example of "you don't know what someone's going thru till you walk in there shoes" story

As a Raiderrrssssss fan, i didn't know this side of the story. Being raised to treat people how i would want to be treated and putting yourself in other peoples shoes. I feel for the man. Amazing video, you got my sub :)

No lie.. this definitely is a great piece you put together. I couldn’t imagine seeing that happen with a family member. I lost my mother in 2013 and was the one who found her and tried my all to save her smh… and I deal with it every day. and do ny best to stay positive. But some days just wanna give up or life doesn’t make any since. I was able to find music to express my self and it helps. But I still struggle every moment. Wishing I could of helped my mother or safe her. So I feel for him. But great work amazing video stay blessed everyone

I’m really glad I watched this, I greatly remember the rise and fall of Jamarcus. You really did this man justice as you always do. Such high quality reporting. You deserve to have millions view your reporting.

i’m not really a football fan anymore but i still am a subscriber to your channel and i love the detailed work you put into each vid. i’m trying to get back into football though as i’m a basketball guy. even though i didn’t even know who jamarcus russell was i enjoyed the story a lot . i wish someone made videos just like this about basketball stories

As a LSU fan I'll always love JaMarcus. I hope he has found peace and happiness.

Even though I always respected His talent, I always thought His lack of success was from a lack of discipline and work ethic, But that's the way the media portrayed it. Ty Flemlo for shining light on His full situtation. Hope Dude is living His best life now He definitely deserves it that's for sure.

Just watched the new Jamarcus Russell interview on The Pivot. And you touched on everything he said. You was 3 weeks early 🔥🔥🔥

youre way of delivering content is awesome, it feels like we are having a conversation and youre just telling me a story. Props brotha keep it going!

i love how you take stories that a lot of people make assumptions about and come at them from an empathetic and humanizing perspective. great vid.

JaMarcus has always been kind of a role model in a way. Maybe that’s not the right word. But I have a lot similar traits and experiences. And in a way, I always saw myself as potentially being a “bust” in my own field. But no one ever talks about the human behind the label. He’s kind of a warrior. He conquered depression, laziness that comes with it, addiction, epic failure. How many of us can do that? Honestly. Man has my respect for life.

FlemLo, thank you so much for telling this story. Great work, as always

I love your videos. You come from a real place that sport journalism almost never gets.

Flem, the care and understanding you use to tell these stories is so rare. Love your videos, Bro!

He did not fail at life. Everyone goes thru ups and downs and he came a long way. He failed to live up to the un-reasonable heights we sometimes put on these athletes.

Here from Lucki

Never heard of this article or more on his story, it makes a lot more sense how some of these things played out. Great content as always Flem

You’re a great story teller. Love all your videos bro keep making these type of videos!

This was an excellent video. No doubt in my mind you’ll have a show with the biggest celebrities coming by beyond how well this is put together you seem to offer and unbiased insight to actual issue that’s impressive and necessary quality when it comes to what your doing. Respect bro.

Dude you just gained a fan. Seriously keep doing what you're doing. God bless & stay up! 🙏

Thank you so much Flemlo. You make some bangers and I love how you put so much effort in looking at both sides of the story, puts things in perspective. Keep up the great work bro!

Amazing storytelling. You're the best, man. You've got the ambition and work ethic to do anything. If RU-vid doesn't fulfill you, then quit it. You could really do anything bro. Thank you for all these amazing videos

Again, excellent work! I’ve been a subscriber for a long time and find your research and human touch to be first class. Thanks FlemLo

Your videos and insight are amazing, I love how you look at all sides and even put yourself in peoples shoes. You the man. New fan here.

As a Raiders fan, JaMarcus Russell was a huge let down. As a human being, I had no idea about his losses and struggles and I feel bad for calling him 'lazy'. Once again you have made a great video that humanizes these superstars.

You are the best bro and far from a failure. Your content continues to show more of your creativity and authenticity that enhances the overall delivery. Stay blessed and thanks!!

Always appreciate your content FlemLo!

Flemlo your videos amaze me! You have a gift for telling these stories in a way that shows the players side of the situation!

Seems like your videos always find me right when I need them to, you're right where you need to be. I've been really going through it with things lately, and here I am sleepless wondering if I'm doing enough and I find this video. Thank you for everything you do!

“Instead of grabbing the drink, he grabbed the DRANK” 😂😂😂😂😂

Here after watching the pivot podcast today great vid Flo you did this man justice

I like that you kept the Wayne intro. Dude I'm happy for you. Your channel is growing, your context is getting better and by the looks of it I could take a wild guess and say you're a happy man.

Jeff Gladney passed away recently, if you can, could you do an episode on him to mourn him, love the content you produce, keep it up 👍👍👍

I've completely quit the NFL for many reasons. I remember all of the crap Russell got back then. This video really puts things into focus. He is in someways similar to Kwame Brown. They have lived many years hearing how they were the biggest busts. Dudes are human and both seem like good people. Kwame has had his reimurgence with his RU-vid channel. JeMarcus has stayed out of sight. I really hope he has found some peace and happiness. It hurts losing loved ones, but it is part of life. The biggest thing is learning to cope with the pain. Much Love to Flemlo for the great work. And I'm praying for JeMarcus and that he find happiness.

As a Raider fan, this gave me a lot more respect for him. Still wish we woulda taken Calvin or AD, but i'll never bad mouth J Russ again. I also struggled with addiction after I quit playing football at age 20 and I lost my dad and grandad less than a month apart and can fully understand how much that shit messes with you. Glad he has found peace and his doing his thing. God bless you Jamarcus!

u still a dope youtuber since i first seen yo vids 5 or 6s years ago… keep it up g‼️

Happy Father’s Day Flemlo thanks for the content, I’ve been here since you were playing NCAA14, the growth is still astonishing to see.

Wow. You literally humanized what the media tried to demonize. You, sir, are the goat 🐐 of storytime. If you have a fantasy football channel, I'd definitely subscribe and join haha. Keep up the great work!

Really enjoyed this video. Great work!

Really appreciate the way you show respect and sympathy while telling the full story straight up.

I can feel him and I'm a Raiders fan since 87 I lost my mom my dad my best friend and my fiance all within a 15 year span.. coming from a true Raiders fan I apologize

Love you video dude. Thank you for showing us the reality that athletes faced. Kudos to you. Avid subscriber here.

I’m new to you’re channel and I must say bro I love it. The way you do you’re homework and how you put everything in perspective is super dope, much love all the way from philly and I am definitely watching all the older ones so I can catch up

Well done sir.. keep it up. Great video! And your commentary is fantastic .. covering "all angles" better than any on TV these days for sure.

You always on point. That part about coaches attitude is such a big part of the process. I've seen coaches get the most from every guy and I've seen coaches destroy men for no reason. Thank you flemlo

Preciate the angle you take on these videos! Thanks for the great content Sir!

I love ur video style. Ur flavor is impeccable, and u truly research ur topics. Keep it up broskino!

Great video. I’ve never seen your work-all it took is one. I know I’ll have so good viewing ahead!

Damn Flem, every time I think there is no way you can outdo yourself, you continue to impress. I’ve been subbed for YEARS. It’s been an honor watching you and your channel grow. Much love

This is my first time watching your videos, but definitely not the last. You're awesome. I've been a Raiders fan for 45 years, and have always thought of JaMarcus as the biggest disappointment. Now I see him in a whole new light, and yes, see the human not just the player. I feel so bad for him. Thank you for this great video. I'll be back for more.

Flem make sure you watch the pivot interview with JaMarcus , you hit the nail on the head you never know what someone is going through. It makes this story look even better keep doing what you do king. Q The Wayne

Spectacular piece of journalism, right here. Really bringing attention to certain aspects of pro sports (and the human conditio) that are often overlooked & dismissed, which is unfortunate because of the affect it has on our society. I enjoy the content from your channel, and you hit a home run with this one.

I never looked down on JaMarcus Russell (I'm from the N.O. and a LSU fan and had/have family members that went there) and also has had many challenges in my life from the beginning. So when people try to pile on somebody without even knowing their story. I know how it is and have been treated that way. So I understand, cause I get the same treatment.