Happy Birthday Mr. Russell!
CelticsLife salutes the greatest champion in sports - Mr. Bill Russell - who turns 79 today. Russell was the centerpiece of the Celtics dynasty of the late '50s and '60s who anchored the team with his trademark shot-blocking ability and unparalleled commitment to defense. With these skills, Russell helped lead the franchise to 11 NBA championships during his 13-year career - including two at the tail-end of his stellar career as a pioneering African-American player-coach.
Prior to his career with the C's, he also won back-to-back NCAA titles with the San Francisco Dons in 1955 and 1956 and an Olympic Gold in Melbourne (1956).
In 2011, Russell was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the highest civilian honor given in the United States - for his accomplishments in breaking racial barriers on and off the court. Apart from being among the first African-American stars (and the first African-American head coach) in professional sports, Russell was a prominent catalyst in the Civil Rights Movement.
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Prior to his career with the C's, he also won back-to-back NCAA titles with the San Francisco Dons in 1955 and 1956 and an Olympic Gold in Melbourne (1956).
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Russell receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama |
Most recently, Russell unwittingly returned to the national spotlight when - while attending the Presidential inauguration ceremonies last month - he was mistaken by ABC news presenter George Stephanopoulos to be actor Morgan Freeman. As distinguished and decorated Russell's career and life have been, I guess Stephanopoulos confused him with having won an Oscar or two as well.
Happy Birthday Mr. Russell!