How do you define a legend?
An extremely famous or notorious person is how Webster’s defines it. And while it’s an accurate description of the great Bill Russell, I’m not sure it’s strong enough a term.
In High School, Russell won two state championships. In college, playing for San Francisco University, he won two NCAA titles before earning Olympic gold in Melbourne in 1956.
In the NBA, Russell guided the Boston Celtics to 11 championships in 13 seasons.
That’s 16 titles in 18 seasons of basketball for the hall of famer.
An activist who experienced racism at each and every turn in his life, Russell earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011.
Not every aspect of Russell’s life was a fairy tale. He made mistakes, made enemies, rarely signed autographs. His relationship with Celtics fans was contentious.
Why sign autographs for the same people who blurt out racial slurs from the stands?
Russell – principled to a fault – is the greatest champion in the history of American professional sports.