NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell suited up for his first NFL game, listed as a third-stringer Sunday against Tennessee.
Russell signed a record contract for rookies Sept. 11 after the longest holdout by the No. 1 overall pick in more than two decades. Dante Culpepper started for the Raiders, with Josh McCown the first backup.
Russell held out for 48 days and is reportedly guaranteed a record $29 million in his six-year, $61 million deal. He would get an additional $3 million if he reaches minimal playing time incentives.
The previous record deal for a rookie was when the Detroit Lions gave No. 2 pick Calvin Johnson $27.2 million in guarantees this year. Top pick Mario Williams got $26.5 million in guaranteed money a year ago from Houston.
The Raiders deactivated Andrew Walter, leaving McCown active. McCown had been deactivated the past three games after breaking his left big toe Sept. 23 against Cleveland.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
