BILL RUSSELL

Born in West Monroe, Louisiana on February 12, 1934, William Felton Russell was an American professional basketball player who played center for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1956 to 1969. He was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career. Russell is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

In 1966, The New York Times wrote that "Russell's main characteristics are pride, intelligence, an active and appreciative sense of humor, a preoccupation with dignity, a capacity for consideration once his friendship or sympathy has been aroused, and an unwillingness to compromise whatever truths he has accepted."

Russell died at his Mercer Island, Washington, home on July 31, 2022, at the age of 88. In a statement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said that Russell was "the greatest champion in all of team sports". For more information about Bill Russell, visit us at the museum or click here.