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ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -JaMarcus Russell just laughed when he heard reports that his weight had ballooned to more than 300 pounds in the offseason.
Coach Lane Kiffin began calling him "Big Boy" and his friends teased him a bit, but Russell just went on with his offseason workouts as he prepares for his first full season as a quarterback in the NFL.
"It was funny to me," Russell said Thursday. "But most of my family, like my grandmother, she kind of took it hard. But at the same time I think it's all fun and jokes, just a reason to get myself better and just keep myself in shape."
Russell said he weighed in at 269 pounds and looked thinner than he did a year ago as the Raiders began their offseason workouts and wanted to drop five or six more pounds before the season begins.
The 6-foot-6 strong-armed passer will never be svelte, but the Raiders are happy with the offseason work from their franchise player. Russell returned to the Raiders facility for workouts, classroom work and individual drills March 10.
He made it back to the practice field with his teammates this week for organized team activities.
"I think it shows his commitment to the team and to the players. They see that," Kiffin said. "They notice his body being different, he's got great energy about himself, and he looks really good. He's moving around great and making plays on the run. I know it just creates a good feeling around the locker room as well."
The Raiders have become Russell's team after a difficult rookie season. He played catch up after missing all of training camp before signing his $61 million contract three days after the season began.
He didn't step on the field until December, playing as a reserve in three games before starting the season finale against San Diego.
He completed 23 of 31 passes for 224 yards and a touchdown against the Chargers after turning the ball over four times the previous week against Jacksonville.
"I'm happy those guys got me out there early so I could get a chance to get a feel and see what it's like," Russell said. "Now I kind of got an idea what it's going to be like and now I just get ready and try to prepare for it."
Kiffin said the difference in Russell's knowledge and comfort level is "night and day" from last season.
Russell wasn't asked to throw deep much in Thursday's practice and was off-target with some of his shorter throws, but Kiffin has been impressed with what he has seen so far.
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