This has been an interesting twist of fate for Russell, a second-year running back out of Minnesota. He was inactive for the first two games of the season and spent one week on the practice squad before getting re-signed to the active roster in October.
Obama chooses Steelers
President Barack Obama selected the Steelers to win the Super Bowl while praising some of the biggest stars on the Cardinals.
It wasn't exactly a good sign for the Steelers - Obama picked the losing New England Patriots last year.
"I'm still wondering how that guy made that catch," he said of the crucial helmet-top reception by the New York Giants' David Tyree. "It was one of the greatest plays in pro football history."
Obama talked football during an interview with Matt Lauer on NBC's pre-game show.
Obama had already conceded earlier in the week that he was pulling for Pittsburgh. Steelers owner Dan Rooney, a longtime Republican, endorsed Obama's presidential bid and campaigned for him.
"Rooney didn't just endorse me. That guy was ... going to steel plants campaigning for me," Obama said.
National anthem
After one deep breath, Jennifer Hudson (below) returned to the spotlight with a flawless performance of the national anthem.
Wearing a flowing white top with black pants and a cropped black jacket, the singer/actress, 27, looked apprehensive when she first climbed onto the round blue stage on the field of Raymond James Stadium. Then she took the breath and launched into the anthem.
Hudson used the Super Bowl's massive television audience for her first public appearance since the October slayings in Chicago of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew. Her estranged brother-in-law has been charged in the killings.
Hudson looked relieved when she was through.
End zone
Pittsburgh kicker Jeff Reed's 18-yard field goal on the opening drive tied a Super Bowl record for the shortest field goal. ... The game-time temperature was 68 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. . ... Arizona won the coin toss and chose to defer until the second half.
Sun news services contributed to this article.
