William Felton Russell – widely known as Bill Russell, who brought 11 Championships to Boston Celtics -- passed away at the age of 88 last Sunday. Russell's family did not disclose the cause of death but stated that he died peacefully with his wife Jeanine by his side. Along with the NBA fans worldwide who are mourning, several extremely prominent people have paid tribute to the NBA Legend.
Barack Obama, President Joe Biden Pay Tribute To Bill Russell
Former U.S. President Barrack Obama awarded Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, the nation's highest civilian honor, and penned a tribute:
"Today, we lost a giant. As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher—both as a player and as a person. Perhaps more than anyone else, Bill knew what it took to win and what it took to lead. On the court, he was the greatest champion in basketball history. Off of it, he was a civil rights trailblazer—marching with Dr. King and standing with Muhammad Ali. For decades, Bill endured insults and vandalism, but never let it stop him from speaking up for what's right. I learned so much from the way he played, the way he coached, and the way he lived his life. Michelle and I send our love to Bill's family, and everyone who admired him."
President Joe Biden also released a statement through The White House's Briefing Room:
"The promise of America is that we are all created equal and deserve to be treated equally throughout our lives. We've never fully lived up to that promise, but Bill Russell made sure we never walked away from it. . . Throughout his life, he forced us to confront hard truths. And on this day, there are generations of Americans who are reflecting on what he meant to them as someone who played for the essential truth that every person is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. 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."
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker expressed gratitude for being part of the NBA Champ's life history, "Bill Russell was the definition of a legend," he said.
"He was a consummate winner and a trailblazer who broke barriers in the game of basketball and the game of life for Black athletes and Americans throughout his career and life."
Colleagues Recognize Bill Russell's Contribution And Achievements
NBA commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged Russell as "the greatest champion in all of team sports." Paul Pierce – also awarded as one of the league's greatest players of all time by playing with Boston Celtics, shared a commemoration of the time when they were listening to Russell's stories.
Current Boston Celtics players Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown paid recognition by calling him "one of the greatest athletes ever" and giving appreciation for "everything [he] stood for." Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson tweeted to honor his good friend, who was not just supportive of Johnson's basketball career but also for his passion for Black America advocacy.
Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca of the Celtics ownership group issued a statement regarding Russell's passing:
"Bill embodied character and commitment and he was truly one of the finest people to ever live. He will be remembered forever and deservedly so."
Boston University's Thomas Whalen has even written a book about Russell's impact on the city. He noted:
"Russell once said he'd rather be a streetlamp in Seattle than mayor of Boston. But over time he realized that Boston was gradually changing for the better."
During an interview with WBZ-TV, he spoke of Russell as:
"He always tirelessly promoted civil rights and human rights and he was fearless in his convictions."
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