D.C. United midfielder Chris Pontius on Robbie Russell:
“I just want to congratulate him on a fantastic career, not only is he a great player, but he’s a great person, and that means just as much to me. He has had a fantastic career and a fantastic run, and he will be successful in whatever he does after soccer.”
D.C. United defender Dejan Jakovic:
“I want to wish Robbie Russell all the best in the future. He’s definitely a really positive mentor since he has come to D.C. A guy with a ton of experience, whose been a voice and a leader on this team, and we’re going to miss him.”
D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen:
“Robbie has had a wonderful career, and we as an organization were lucky to play a small part in it,” said D.C. United Head Coach Ben Olsen. “He has helped mold our young players and has left, in a short time, a big imprint on this club.”
Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando:
"Saddened to see Robbie Russell's career come to an end but it was a pleasure to share the field with such a true pro. One of the smartest, most unselfish, and worst-dressed players I ever played with and although his last PK in 2009 was memorable, it's his Brandi Chastain celebrations that I'll miss. Good luck in your next adventure bud."
Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman:
"Not only was Robbie a great player but he was an even better person. He was the utmost professional and it was a pleasure to play with him. He'll always have a place in the hearts of the RSL family for the hard work he put in and of course for his penalty he took to win the MLS Cup 2009."
Real Salt Late defender Chris Wingert:
"Robbie Russell is definitely one of the best teammates you could ask for as an athlete. Great player, great locker room guy, and somebody that will have just as much success outside of soccer as he has in it. Congrats on a great career Robbie!"
Real Salt Lake defender Nat Borchers:
"Robbie was a major part of our success from '09-'11. He brought a lot of high-level experience to this team and he knew how to win. He fit in everywhere…I think the only position he never played was striker! I'll never forget the PK he took in '09 to win us the MLS Cup. He was so calm when everything was on the line for us. He was a winner at soccer and I have no doubt he will be a winner in the next phase of his life."
Real Salt Lake Head Coach Jason Kreis:
"Robbie Russell played an integral and critical part in the changing of the culture at Real Salt Lake. He will be forever remembered for his 2009 MLS Cup-Winning Penalty Kick, but his true contributions were much more thorough, impressive, and long-lasting than that one kick. His legacy at RSL can and will never be forgotten.
I, for one, owe him a personal debt of gratitude for what he gave to me and this club."
