11-time NBA champion, and one of the great ambassadors for the sport of basketball, Bill Russell has passed away at the age of 88.
Russell’s family made the announcement late Sunday night, stating that he went “peacefully” and was surrounded by friends and family.
While the statement did not indicate the cause of death, Russell was reportedly not well enough to present the NBA Finals MVP award this year due to his health.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver noted “Bill Russell was the greatest champion in all of team sports. The countless accolades that he earned for his storied career with the Boston Celtics — including a record 11 championships and five MVP awards — only begin to tell the story of Bill’s immense impact on our league and broader society. Bill stood for something much bigger than sports: the values of equality, respect and inclusion that he stamped into the DNA of our league.”
The outpouring of support came fast and furious in the moments following news of Russell’s passing, and the condolences weren’t limited to just the sports world either. Former President Barack Obama had the following to say about the former Celtics great:
Originally selected 2nd overall in the 1956 NBA Draft, Russell won 11 NBA championships during his 13 year playing career. He was also a 5x league MVP, made 12 All-Star teams, and was an 11 time All-NBA selection.
Not only was he a ferocious competitor on the floor, but he was also a trailblazer in sports, culture, and civil rights off it as well. In 1966, Russell transitioned to a “player coach” role with the Celtics, making him the first black coach in NBA history.
Inducted into the basketball hall of fame in 1975, Russell was a member of the NBA’s 50 greatest players in 1996 list, the NBA’s 75th anniversary team in 2021, and was given the league’s Lifetime Achievement award in 2019.
The outspoken advocate for civil rights is tied with former Montreal Canadiens great Henri Richard for most titles for an athlete in North American “Big 4” sports history.
President Joe Biden lauded Russell’s social justice work stating “Bill Russell is one of the greatest athletes in our history — an all-time champion of champions, and a good man and great American who did everything he could to deliver the promise of America for all Americans.”
The gold medal winning Olympian is survived by his wife Jeannine, and children Karen, William and Jacob.