“It is with a very heavy heart that we would like to pass this on to all of Bill’s friends, fans and supporters,” the statement said. “Bill Russell, the most prolific winner in American sports history, died peacefully today at the age of 88, with his wife, Jeannine, by his side. Arrangements for his memorial service will be announced soon.
“Bill’s two state championships in high school provided a glimpse of the unparalleled streak of pure team accomplishments to come: two-time NCAA champion; captain of a medal-winning U.S. Olympic team of gold; 11-time NBA champion; and at the helm of two NBA championships as the first black head coach of any American professional sports team.
“Along the way, Bill won a number of individual awards that are unprecedented in that they were not mentioned by him. In 2009, the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award was renamed after two times Hall of Famer as “NBA Finals Bill Russell” Most Valuable Player Award.’
“Bill’s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers. Perhaps you will relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or remember his signature laugh as he delighted in telling the real story. behind how these moments unfolded. And we hope that each of us can find a new way to act or speak with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principles. This would be a last and lasting victory for our beloved number 6.”
Russell won 11 championships with the Celtics, including eight straight from 1959 to 1966. He was a five-time NBA MVP and a 12-time All-Star.
As coach of the Celtics, he led Boston to two titles, becoming the first black head coach to win an NBA championship.
The Celtics released a statement praising Russell and his contribution to both the team and the sport as a whole.
“Being the greatest champion of your sport, revolutionizing the way the game is played and being a leader in society at the same time seems unthinkable, but that’s who Bill Russell was,” the statement said.
“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 above glory individual, 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 tremendous legacy in basketball, Boston and beyond.”
NBA legend Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, said: “Bill Russell was a pioneer: as a player, as a champion, as the first black head coach of the “NBA and as an activist. He paved the way and set an example for all the black players who came into the league after him, including me. The world has lost a legend. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.”
Former United States President Barack Obama took to social media to praise Russell’s contribution to basketball and society: “Today we lost a giant. As tall as Bill Russell was, his legacy rises so much higher, as as a player and as a person. Perhaps. more than anyone, Bill knew what it took to win and what it took to lead. On the court, he was the greatest champion in basketball history. He was also a pioneer of the rights civilians, marching with Dr. King and Muhammad Ali.
“For decades, Bill put up with insults and vandalism, but he never let that stop him from speaking up for what’s right. I learned a lot 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 all who look up to him.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also shared his condolences.
“Bill Russell was the greatest champion in all of team sports,” Silver said in a statement. “The countless accolades he earned during 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 society in general
“Bill represented something much bigger than sports: the values of equality, respect and inclusion that he branded into the DNA of our league. At the height of his sports career, Bill vigorously championed the civil rights and social justice, a legacy he passed on to generations of NBA players who followed in his footsteps. Through taunts, threats and unthinkable adversity, Bill rose above it all and remained true to his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.”
CNN’s Homer de la Source contributed to this report.