Bill Russell poses with eleven of his Championship rings in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1996.
Russell poses in San Francisco in 1955. The six-foot-nine center was known for his defense and skill in blocking shots.
Russell, left, shows his parents Charles and Katie Russell, a telegram informing him he made the first string All-American team in Oakland, California, on February, 26 1955.
Russell is lifted up by fans after the USF Dons won the NCAA Basketball title in Kansas, City, Missouri, in 1955.
Russell and Rose Swisher wave to the crowd during a parade in San Francisco, California, on March 22, 1955, celebrating the USF Dons victory during the NCAA championship title.
Russell competes in the high jump for University of San Francisco during a track meet in April, 1956. In the same month, Russell would be selected second overall in the NBA draft by the St. Louis Hawks, before being traded to the Boston Celtics.
Russell and Swisher at their wedding in Oakland, California in 1956. The couple married after Russell won the gold medal at the Melbourne Olympics, surrounded by his coaches and teammates.
Russell shows how he scores baskets in February 1956.
Russell signs autographs for young fans at San Francisco International Airport in March 1956.
Russell, right, with Boston Celtics co-owners Walter Brown, left, and Lou Pieri, as Russell signs the contract to join the team in Boston, Massachusetts, in December 1956.
Russell played as a center with the Boston Celtics from 1966 – 1969.
Russell with his sons, William Jr. “Buddha”, 3, and Jacob, 20 months, in April 1961.
Russell relaxes in a whirlpool bath following a Celtics practice in San Francisco, California, in December 1963.
Russell, right, is carried by jubilant fans alongside fellow teammate Tommy Heinsohn, left, and coach Red Auerbach, after the Boston Celtics won their sixth consecutive world championship in Boston, Massachusetts, on April 27, 1964.
Russell, left, throws the ball in an NBA Playoff game against the Cincinnati Royals in Cincinnati, Ohio, in March 1966. Russell was voted NBA Most Valuable Player five times in his career, in 1958, 1961-1963, and 1965.
Russell celebrates with Boston Celtics head coach Red Auerbach in the dressing room in Boston, Massachusetts, after winning their eighth straight NBA championship, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers on April 29, 1966. Russell won 11 NBA championships in his 13 years with the Boston Celtics.
Russell, center left, and Red Auerbach look over an autographed ball after Russell is named head coach of the Boston Celtics in 1966. Russel served as player-coach, which made him the first Black head coach in the NBA.
Russell speaks about segregation during the Freedom Graduation at Patrick T. Campbell Jr. High School in Boston, Massachusetts. in June 1966. Russell was an outspoken supporter of civil rights.
Russell, left, speaks with boxer and fellow civil rights trailblazer Muhammad Ali, in Cleveland, Ohio, on June 4, 1967, during a news conference in support of Ali’s refusal to fight in the Vietnam War.
Russell, right, plays against Philadelphia 76ers rival Wilt Chamberlain during a game in Boston in 1968.
Russell, left, and Keith Jackson commentate during a game in Los Angeles, circa 1972.
Russell, left, looks on during a Sacramento Kings game in Sacramento, California, circa 1988. After retiring as a player, Russell went on to coach several NBA teams including the Seattle SuperSonics from 1973 – 1977 and the Sacramento Kings from 1987 – 1988.
Russell, left, shares a laugh with Kobe Bryant, during NBA All-Star weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, February 17, 2007.
Russell, left, speaks with Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics in Waltham, Massachusetts, on March 6, 2008.
Russell, right, receives the medal of freedom from President Barack Obama in a ceremony at the White House in Washington, DC, on February 15, 2011.
Russell, center left, looks on as NBA Commissioner David Stern presents LeBron James of the Miami Heat the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award after winning the NBA Finals over the Oklahoma City Thunder in Miami, Florida, on June 21, 2012.
Russell is interviewed by Dr. Harry Edwards during the Civil Rights Summit in Austin, Texas, on April 9, 2014.
Russell, center, smiles as he is introduced with fellow legends Julius Erving, left, Magic Johnson, Bob Pettit and Willis Reed during the NBA All-Star basketball game in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Sunday, February 19, 2017.
Russell with his second wife Jeannine, at the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony in Uncasville, Connecticut. Russell, who was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 1975, was inducted as coach in September 2021.
