Russ Adams: StreetWise Legend & O.G. SportsWise

An original member of Sports- Wise, along with Vince Collaso and Craig Barlow, this is my baby. I consider it my child that I allow the current SportsWise crew to hold—Kidding! We’re a team until the end. Look, SportsWise gives me a chance to represent the sports fanatic in me. I get to see a different side of sports by reporting on it and giving my opinion; also, I’m a celebrity. Not the level of a Candace Parker or a Denzel Washington, but we’re all in the same tank.

Another sweet thing about this gig is customers ask me for autographs on our page 6, which, to this day—13 years later—touches me in a way I appreciate. Makes me feel really good. I, also, love, simply, relaxing and talking sports. I’ve been SportsWising for a while now, and I keep many old magazines. Sometimes, a man—being human—needs to be reminded of his accomplishments. His opinions, his thoughts, his life. SportsWise does that for me.

I can dig it, brotha.

Also, mad-ups to StreetWise for snagging us tickets to random games—most times, via the amazing Community Tickets programs; other times, StreetWise purchases tickets for us whether it’s for an upcoming column or a reward for working hard as a contributing partner to the overall magazine.

Speaking of StreetWise the magazine, what’s it meant to you over your 20 dedicated years?

First off, “Thank you” to Street- Wise for giving me the opportunity to be a part of Sports- Wise. No telling what not having SportsWise would’ve done for—or against—me. As for StreetWise, I’ve met many characters over my years. I’ve been a rookie, of course, and those memories remind me daily what I need to do to impart my wisdom to those who’ll, eventually, “be” me, Lonnie, Clinton, Steven— Riggs and Garron—and, of course, Robert Williams and Don Smith, and every other StreetWise veteran who’s laid down and stood up for this organization. With the kind, helpful words from these guys—including some of the younger cats—I’ve become a wizard at my job. I love my work, and that’s something many of us never experience. If I can help someone else feel as good as me when it comes to StreetWise, or in their regular life, I’m in.

DON ON RUSS

Russell elevates SportsWise, and he keeps it fun. I’ll always remember the times we spent together at the ballgames. We’ve hung out at every sports arena you can think of in the city; most recently, at Win- Trust Arena. The most memorable moment? We rushed the court—hey now!—together when the DePaul Blue Demons women’s team won the East a couple of years back. An all-around standup guy.

JOHN ON RUSS

Always brings his game face.

He does it in a humbled way, so no one’s offended. Whether he's working in the office doing janitorial work as he did for many years, out in the street selling StreetWise, or handling business with the SportsWise team. Russell always brings the positive vibes.

PAT ON RUSS

Russ is my guy at any game we attend together. He’s a good dude who does a lot for people. I’ve witnessed him talking with someone in the office and telling him what’s what. “I hear you,” Russ would say and follow with, “But you ever thought about it like this?” A man of few words—unless he trusts you—people listen. An OG (Original Gangster…of the most positive kind), Russ is someone who sticks in your brain—already in mine—and he’ll always give you something good.

Any comments or suggestions? Email pedwards@streetwise.org