Bill Russell
1934-2022
Statement from the Team
To be the greatest champion in your sport, to revolutionize the way the game is played, and to be a societal leader all at once seems unthinkable, but that is who Bill Russell was.
Bill was a champion unlike any other in the history of team sports - an 11-time NBA champion, including winning eight consecutive titles, a five-time MVP, an Olympic Gold Medalist and the NBA’s first Black head coach.
Bill Russell‘s DNA is woven through every element of the Celtics organization, from the relentless pursuit of excellence, to the celebration of team rewards over individual glory, to a commitment to social justice and civil rights off the court.
Our thoughts are with his family as we mourn his passing and celebrate his enormous legacy in basketball, Boston, and beyond.
Statement from Wyc Grousbeck, Steve Pagliuca and The Boston Celtics Ownership Group
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.
There isn’t a generation of Celtics fans for whom Bill Russell’s presence hasn’t been felt. Join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Bill Russell by sharing your favorite memory on the Virtual Fan Memory Wall.
Thank you for everything! R.I.P Legend 🙏🏽 https://t.co/tn2iGsArav
R.I.P Bill Russell. You allowed me to be in the position I am in today and you changed not only the league but the world. Forever 6.
Rest In Peace 🕊thank you for paving the way and inspiring so many Today is a sad day but also great day to celebrate his legacy and what he stood for 💚 https://t.co/kvDaIsjpGG
I’m honored to be able to have spent time with you @RealBillRussell thank you for everything you stood for you #forever6
12 time @NBA All-Star
11 NBA rings
5 MVPs
No 3-point line
No social media
Just played and dominated in a day and a league that was def not soft.
@celtics to the core ☘️
RIP @RealBillRussell 😢 #LEGENDARY https://t.co/mG7K1AOfQq
Thanku for being a trailblazer , pioneer Thanku for setting the bar , for ur kind words of wisdom, Thanku for that great laugh u had . I can go on all day about what u meant to me . Today is a sad day for the NBA family u will be forever missed #6
I’ll never forget this day we was like kids sitting around a camp fire listening to your stories https://t.co/ZX3DDPRAwt
My friend. My mentor. 🙏🏾
RIP 🐐 #billrussellRIP #RIPbillrussell https://t.co/kXmHzvJPic
My hero. My friend. What a hole we have now. 🙏🏾 🐐 https://t.co/NQlIO7hk8k
Growing up in Oakland California Bill Russell Inspired me to be a leader on and off the court, how to face adversity head on as he did countless times in his life time. I just want to say thank you Mr. Russell for giving a young foster care kid hope and belief. https://t.co/iMnd0lb3yB
RIP Bill Russell ☘️
Love that man. Love everything he is about. Team first, winning, sacrifice, competition. One of one RIP. https://t.co/9EjkFQ0JhM
We’ll never see a greater winner in basketball - & maybe not in any other walk of life either! Cs fans or not, we all owe him a debt of gratitude (more for non-bball stuff than for his amazing career!) that could never be fully repaid. I’ll hear his laugh forever. RIP #6 😢☘️💪 https://t.co/EX0cU0Xcf7
So very sad to hear about Bill Russell today. He set the standard - on and off the court. RIP to an all-time winner, teammate and person. 🙏🙏 https://t.co/OIzUn8aLwG
RIP to the Legend Bill Russell
RIP Bill Russell. A legend in every sense of the word, on and off the floor🙏🏽
11X NBA CHAMPION. Rest easy 🐐
Rest well, Bill Russell: one of the greatest on the court, a humanitarian, and a gracious human. My condolences and prayers to his family. https://t.co/v2aHm5x4yt
Rest In Peace Bill Russell a true pioneer of the game. Forever a legend to us all🙏🏾
A true legend on and off the court. RIP Bill Russell 🕊
A champion who revolutionized the game for all of us. Bill Russell was an inspiration to me in so many ways. May he Rest in Power.
Unapologetically himself at all times!! The ultimate leader and just happened to be one of the best hoopers ever! RIP Mr Russell, you will be dearly missed 🙏🏾🕊 https://t.co/30xXhoGXsj
Thank you for all you did for us and this game. Thank you for paving the way. Respect and Love always. Rest in Paradise. 🙏🏿🕊🐐. https://t.co/BglOLLohHI
My thoughts about Bill Russell passing away…. I am working on an deeper thought provoking article tonight as I process what just happened. https://t.co/M69pXNkaC0
I have known @RealBillRussell for 60+ years and wanted to share my personal appreciation for him. He was my hero and a role model.
Thanks to another good friend @mrchuckd for sharing this incredible art with me today...
So sad to lose a friend broadcasting partner and one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA. RIP Bill Russell @ESPNNBA @NBA @NBAonTNT @NBAOfficial @NBATV @celtics @NBAcom @NBAalumni @TheNBPA
Rest in peace Bill Russell you were everything we all aspired to be, your winning spirit will live forever my friend. Thank you for your words of wisdom. https://t.co/rBjFS6nhzW
The NBA family just learned this afternoon that Bill Russell, the 11-time champion and Hall of Fame icon of the Boston Celtics, who used that fame to further the civil rights cause in the United States during the turbulent 1960s, has died at the age of 88. He will be missed💔💔💔 https://t.co/DA4R70Wjps
Was an absolute honor to spend time with #BillRussell. He was a walking encyclopedia. I remember him quoting once - “Basketball is what I do for a living, but it’s not necessarily who I am.” His legacy will NEVER be forgotten! https://t.co/5jBrMuxDn8
One of the most dominant players in @NBA History. An 11 times NBA Champion and one of the best to have ever done it.
I’ll forever be honored to have met you. Thank you for everything you have given to the game and all of us. Rest in peace, @RealBillRussell. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/HOouLIrXWv
Thank you for paving the way. You will be missed legend. @RealBillRussell https://t.co/obvwkMDCCc
I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of the greatest winner the game of basketball has ever seen, a legend, hall of famer, mentor and my friend for over 30 years, Bill Russell. 💔 https://t.co/iiSkVq2kdn
He was one of the first athletes on the front line fighting for social justice, equity, equality, and civil rights. That’s why I admired and loved him so much. Over the course of our friendship, he always reminded me about making things better in the Black community. https://t.co/K73adpaWZ4
Despite all of his achievements, he was so humble, a gentle giant, a very intelligent man, and used his voice and platform to fight for Black people. Since the day we met, he mentored me and shared advice.
This is a teary-eyed Sunday knowing that we lost a legendary human being @RealBillRussell His dedication to civil-rights, human-rights and the sport of basketball puts him beyond legendary status. That smile will be missed. https://t.co/fmZSmFVkqp
Bill Russell was the most powerful ambassador of the NBA. I held him in the highest regard and tried to build on the groundwork laid by him and his generation of players. Thank you, Bill, for leading the way and giving us such a high bar to shoot at.
An all time great champion and an even better man. It was a privilege to know you. Rest In Peace, Legend. https://t.co/UFLulTB8cw
Bill Russell was the epitome of a champion, in every sense of the word. He was an innovator who broke through barriers and for all of his extraordinary successes on the court, he was just as impactful off of it. (1/2) @RealBillRussell https://t.co/LUGwc8t59f
Bill faced and overcame adversities and obstacles, and those triumphs would benefit not just future generations of NBA players, but all modern athletes of color. What a life, what a legacy. My condolences to his wife, family, friends and everyone else whose life he touched. (2/2) https://t.co/Ui54NlTVDG
Rest In Heaven, Mr. 11 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 https://t.co/zOqckOFNVK
He was a pioneer a motivator, devastator & juggernault that the NBA will never witness again When I think of Bill his classic line Going to Kick your ass. The laughter the cackle. Cackle on Mr Bill. Your legacy is omnipotent. You've done all you can do here keep giving them hell https://t.co/MoFVgR75eW
The world lost a legend with the passing of Bill Russell. His impact on basketball and society will not be forgotten. He handled every adversity with dignity and grace, and walked away a champion. My condolences to his family and those blessed enough to call him a friend.
Thank you for paving the way @RealBillRussell 🙏🏾
#Legends never die 🕊
11x Ring King #Salute #BillRussell 🙏🏾
Get your rest 🕊 https://t.co/YVih5GD3Rc
The Great Bill Russell has always been my basketball idol.
Not because he won 11 NBA championships and 5 MVPs.
It was mainly for his stand for civil rights and social justice.
We have lost a great one.
I can remember my first time meeting him and being like a nervous (1/1)
Bill Russell 🙏🏾🧖🏾♂️🏀🥇🏆
You are loved, appreciated, honored,true pioneer , the greatest overall for all you stood for. Stood against and the doors that now fly open for us is a result of your Journey. May God Bless your family. And may the angels rejoice!!! thank you Legend
Our world lost a great man today.
RIP To the OG GOAT
11 time NBA Champion Bill Russell🍀❤️
Today we lost one of the true Pillars & Giants of our game. Rest In Paradise 🕊… #billrussell https://t.co/WBE2VuuYct
Bill Russell…I no he wasnt GOD he wasnt Jesus he was just A MAN just like me just like u…But wen I got to talk to him face to face…I was in AWE…I cudnt beleev he knew my name…Goosebumps…So he gets his Wings to add to his 11 Rings…
R.I.P. to the Legend Bill Russel. A pioneer to generations!
The Brooklyn Nets join the NBA community in mourning the passing of Bill Russell, an NBA icon whose impact reached far beyond the game of basketball and will endure forever. Our hearts go out to the Russell family and all who loved him. https://t.co/7mWBj3xEew
Five-time MVP. Member of the Hall of Fame. Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Legend. And a champion, always. https://t.co/5jxJJmjgdv
Legends are forever.
RIP Bill Russell, truly a titan of our game. https://t.co/EKpLABwzmT
A statement from Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. https://t.co/RdYcnuCrmb
A true champion in every way, on and off the court.
Rest in peace, Bill Russell. https://t.co/cpm5KSte7N
Bill Russell, who spent many of his formative years in the Bay Area, was a true giant in the game of basketball, and more importantly, in the game of life.
While the accolades on the court were immense, it was his overall impact as a pioneer that will leave the greatest legacy. https://t.co/dfWxKDPW1q
Steve Kerr on the life and legacy of Bill Russell. https://t.co/5nT5kiFI3r
The definition of champion, on and off the court. Thank you for everything, Bill. https://t.co/tB5nLoslSF
The LA Clippers join the basketball community in mourning the passing of Bill Russell -- the ultimate winner, leader and trailblazer. His impact and his legend will live forever. https://t.co/vJk70UllsY
“This is one of my proudest moments in basketball, because I determined early in my career, the only important statistic in basketball is the final score.”
- Bill Russell at the '09 All-Star Game in Phoenix after announced the NBA Finals MVP Award would be named in his honor https://t.co/d4bNDEECRm
Coach Pop on the passing of NBA legend Bill Russell. https://t.co/89IrDvmIqO
The bond between Tim and Bill Russell was special.
Rest in peace to a true pioneer and champion on and off the court 🙏 https://t.co/pNu9aBVNLD
We join the basketball community in mourning the passing of Bill Russell. A true legend both on and off the court. You will be forever missed 🤍 https://t.co/LfnYHacBHo
“The influence he had on those he was so close with is impressive, but the impact he had on so many people everywhere is legendary.” https://t.co/U5aFPlsLdj
More than a basketball player, a sportsman for the centuries. https://t.co/vHKVCn7ex3
A legend and a champion whose impact extends far beyond Boston sports.
Our thoughts are with Bill Russell’s loved ones and the entire @celtics family. https://t.co/WeywK9diPW
Big or small, Bill Russell left a mark on all those he crossed paths with.
From 2016: Just one of many lessons Bill Belichick took away from the legendary leader. https://t.co/oxJYmFmjXg
11 rings.
R.I.P. to the greatest winner in pro sports history. https://t.co/tRhfe6KwuI
The 🐐 passing away on the 15 year anniversary of KG becoming a Celtic. Life is crazy https://t.co/TEJ1rSeX7z
Forever a legend, forever in our 💚. https://t.co/Hv7m8gqgWl
Bill Russell gave so much to Boston.
He is a legend in every sense.
Thank you, Bill.
You will be missed. https://t.co/rnXV2qO6oK
The Bruins mourn the passing of all-time Celtics great Bill Russell. We extend our thoughts and condolences to his family, friends, the entire Celtics organization and all those who loved the Boston legend. https://t.co/VTxICNPh7v
Bill Russell was a treasure as a player, coach and especially as a human being. @Lakers and @celtics fans can agree on this today. 😔💜💚😔 https://t.co/TTDfp9w8Zq
Rest Easy Bill🤎🙏🏾 🐐A lifetime of fighting, standing and winning✊🏾 but most of all caring for our community &ppl‼️ My Deepest condolences to his wife, family, friends and our whole basketball community🙏🏾 I’ll forever remember your smile, laugh&bigger than life personality❤️🕊 https://t.co/nATzFIWOOr
We lost a legend. Not only to the NBA, but to the nation. We will forever honor Bill Russell’s legacy.
PC: NBAE https://t.co/M60gMQmpoE
Remembering a giant of the game and life, Mr. Bill Russell. 💚 https://t.co/ViaNPttTwe
I’m thinking these two met up already today and are having an epic reunion. https://t.co/QKjeDRVJbL
Charles Barkley's statement regarding the passing of Bill Russell https://t.co/kVwqnBchzO
Today, we lost a giant.
As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher—both as a player and as a person.
Bill Russell was a legendary player and coach, and an even better person. He approached everything he did with determination, principle, and wisdom. I will always be grateful for the chance to call him my friend. https://t.co/CmMVzLJUJJ
Bill Russell won:
* 11 NBA Championships as a player
* 2 NBA Championships as a coach
* 2 NCAA Championships
* 5 NBA MVPs
* 11-time All NBA player
An immeasurable impact off the court and the greatest winner in basketball history. RIP. https://t.co/ukmxmQoYgy
My deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and the @NBA community on the loss of the greatest champion we’ve ever known: BILL RUSSELL. An activist, a pioneer, a humanitarian. He made the world better for us all.#RIPCHAMPION
RIP Mr. Russell, true legend. No black superstar has ever spoken out more courageously and powerfully about race. 11 championships. 5 MVPs. A one and only. His wisdom and his laugh will be missed.
Man… Bill Russell.
One of the most important athletes who ever lived. And one of the greatest. RIP.
He had The Greatest Laugh. He was Uncompromising. He was A Champion. He was Smart. He was A Light. He was My Friend & I Love Him… RIP Mr Bill🙏🏿 @RealBillRussell
Remembering friend, NBA Legend and Civil Rights pioneer Bill Russell. Thank you for always standing by Muhammad’s side. Condolences to the Russell family. You will be missed #6 and are truly one of The Greatest of All Time. https://t.co/cYm2lKt0NO
The Incomparable Bill Russell Touched the Stars as a Player, Leader
Few humans – let alone athletes – have touched the stars in as many ways as Bill Russell.
He is, in short, incomparable.
The 11-time champion, two-time Hall-of-Famer and longtime civil rights activist and mentor died peacefully Sunday, according to a statement by his family. He was 88 years old.
Basketball legends and world leaders alike took to public forums to express their sadness Sunday after learning of Russell’s death.
Michael Jordan said in part, “The world has lost a legend.”
Larry Bird issued a statement during which he said he “always had tremendous respect for Bill as a man, as a player, and great champion.”
Among many others, President Barack Obama also stated in part, “Today, we lost a giant. As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher – both as a player and as a person.”
That legacy is unmatched, and surely, it will live on forever.
Russell won an NBA-record 11 championships as a player and a player-coach for the Boston Celtics. That astounding total included a stretch of eight straight titles from 1959-1966. In total, Russell’s Celtics won 11 titles during his 13 NBA seasons.
Amid all of those championship runs, Russell accumulated 12 All-Star appearances and 11 All-NBA selections, while winning five NBA MVP awards.
What’s most impressive about those individual accolades is that Russell earned them while putting team success ahead of his personal statistics. He once stated of his mindset, “My approach was: it’s a team game, and the only important stat was the final score.” He would do anything to come out on top.
That oftentimes included doing the dirty work as an elite defender and as a rebounder, which ignited his team’s success.
He is a four-time rebounding champion who ranks second in league history in total rebounds with 21,620. Russell averaged at least 21.0 rebounds per game for 10 straight seasons from 1957-1967.
The NBA did not begin tracking blocked shots until after his career ended. Otherwise, it is widely regarded that Russell would be the all-time leader in that category – and by a long shot. He was an astute defender and rim protector who possessed elite timing. He was once called “the smartest player to ever play the game” by opponent Bill Bradley.
As great of a regular-season player as Russell was, he took his game to a whole other level during the postseason. He led his team to a perfect 11-0 record in winner-take-all scenarios, during which he averaged more than 18 points and 29 rebounds per game. He owns the NBA Finals record for most rebounds in a game with 40 (twice), and rebounding average at 29.5.
It was fitting that in 2009, then-NBA Commissioner David Stern renamed the NBA Finals MVP award in honor of Russell as the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP award.
Russell was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1975, and as a coach in 2021. He broke the color barrier for head coaches in the NBA, becoming the first Black head coach in league history in 1966 before leading the C’s to two titles. He also won two NCAA championships at the University of San Francisco, and captained the 1956 gold medal-winning US Olympic team.
Remarkably, Russell’s greatness as a human being matched his greatness as a basketball player. He utilized his fame to speak loudly and proudly to the masses for decades as a civil rights activist and mentor.
Russell marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he stood by Muhammad Ali in his disagreement over being drafted into military service, and he helped to initiate the first official boycott of an NBA game as a civil rights protest, among many other notable moments as an activist. He even stated publicly that he would give up his basketball career “without hesitation” to participate in the civil rights movement if it would help to ease racial tensions in the country.
“On the court, he was the greatest champion in basketball history,” President Obama said. “Off of it, he was a civil rights trailblazer.
“For decades, Bill endured insults and vandalism, but never let it stop him from speaking up for what’s right.”
Russell did his best to inspire others to do the same through mentorship. A line he is known to have used is, “There is no such thing as other people’s children.” A statue of Russell was erected in 2013 in Boston’s City Hall, and that statue now includes two young children by his side to commemorate his commitment to mentorship for anyone and everyone who sought such relationships.
As the Celtics stated Sunday afternoon, “To be the greatest champion in your sport, to revolutionize the way the game is played, and to be a societal leader all at once seems unthinkable, but that is who Bill Russell was.”
There was only one Bill Russell. He is the true essence of a legend, one who helped not only to grow and improve the game of basketball, but also to make the world a better place.