In 2018, the house on the South Side of Chicago that Eisenhower’s Antonio Russell was living in burned down.
He wasn’t home when it happened and no one was hurt. But, still …
“We lost everything — everything,” Russell said. “We had nothing but the clothes on our back. We couldn’t get anything back.”
The junior wide receiver now looks back at that time as a learning experience. He expressed great admiration toward his mother, Erica, for getting him through that tough time.
“It’s a part of life,” he said. “In life, you are going to go through a lot of stuff. It’s how you overcome it. We were sad at first, but my mom persevered through all the struggles.
“She’s a strong woman and the best mother I could ask for.”
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Eisenhower coach Sheamus Murphy said going through that experience toughened up Russell and helped turn him into a leader.
“That’s the biggest thing about Antonio — his leadership and off-the-field stuff,” Murphy said. “In our meetings, in the weight room and in the hallways, you have been able to see this growth since he was a freshman.
“He has made such a big jump from sophomore to junior year just being that vocal leader for us.”
And Russell is pretty good on the field, too.
Eisenhower (2-0) outscored its first two opponents, Brooks and Thornridge, by a combined score of 92-6. The Cardinals play host Friday to District 218 rival Richards to open South Suburban Red play.
Already, Russell has eight catches for 126 yards and five touchdowns this season after totaling 695 yards receiving as a sophomore.
His brother, Nashon Johnson, was throwing passes to Russell in 2021 but has moved on to Ellsworth Community College in Iowa.
This season, another family member is calling the signals for the Cardinals as Russell’s cousin, Temaj Taylor, has taken over for Johnson.
“It’s a family affair, right?” Murphy said. “They are great kids. We’re proud of them and excited.”
In Thursday’s 48-0 nonconference victory over Thornridge, Taylor hit Russell three times, all for TDs. Russell had a knack of getting wide open for those scores.
“He’s amazing,” Taylor said of Russell. “You know he is open and you just have to get him the ball.”
Russell said he studies NFL receivers such as Davante Adams, Cooper Kupp, Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs.
“I just work on my craft,” he said. “I work on my footwork, and I take everyone’s game that I love to watch and I put it into my arsenal. Everybody is different in how they get open in their own unique way.”
Murphy said that when defenders do get close, “If the ball is up there, Antonio is going to win.”
Russell, Johnson and Taylor played football together when they were young for the Chicago Chargers. Last year, Russell and Taylor were receivers for Eisenhower, with Johnson at quarterback.
As soon as Johnson graduated, Taylor and Russell went to work.
“He’s my cousin, so we had that instant connection,” Taylor said. “We worked all summer nonstop. We didn’t take any breaks. We went out every day even after practice.”
The Cardinals are seeking their third straight playoff appearance, and the quarterback and receiver are not satisfied despite the dominant start.
“So far, we’re looking good, but there is a lot we can clean up,” Taylor said. “We have the potential to be dangerous, but we have to keep fixing the little things.”
“The scoreboard is pretty,” Russell said after the win over Thornridge. “But there is still some ugly stuff we have to take care of.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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