Rusty Tillman

NFLretired


position=Linebacker
Kick returner
number=67
birthdate=Birth date and age|1946|2|27|mf=y
Beloit, Wisconsin
deathdate=
debutyear=1970
finalyear=1977
undraftedyear=1970
college=Northern Arizona
teams=
* Washington Redskins (1970-1977)
stat1label=Games played
stat1value=107
stat2label=Fumble recoveries
stat2value=3
stat3label=Kick return average
stat3value=9.9
nfl=TIL593270
highlights=
* 70 Greatest Redskins

Russell Arthur Tillman (born February 27, 1946 in Beloit, Wisconsin) is a former American football player who played linebacker in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins from 1970 to 1977.

Tillman was nicknamed “The King” for his special teams mastery. He played seven different special teams positions and served as special teams captain from 1974 to 1977. He was a member of Washington’s 1972 NFC Championship squad.

After retiring from football, Tillman stayed in the NFL as an assistant coach for the Seattle Seahawks for 16 years, where he coached special teams, tight ends, linebackers before becoming defensive coordinator. He also spent time as assistant with Tampa Bay, Oakland, Indianapolis and Minnesota. He served as head coach of the XFL’s New York/New Jersey Hitmen. Tillman was infamously called "Gutless Rusty" by WWF announcer and sitting Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura.Tillman also spent one season assistant coaching a GEJFA team in Washington, the Woodinville Falcons, where his son played.