Boston Celtics legend Bill Russell died on Sunday at the age of 88, his family said in a statement, adding that the NBA great died with his wife, Jeannine, by his side. The cause of death was not known. 

“Bill’s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers. Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded,” the family statement said.

“And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved.”

Also Read: Bill Russell family: Know about his wife Jeannine and children

Bill Russell college – 

Born on February 12, 1934, in Monroe, Louisiana, Bill Russell went to high school in Oakland, California. He then went to University of San Francisco. He led the university to NCAA championships in 1955 and 1956.

Bill Russell nicknames – 

The NBA legend’s nicknames include The Secretary of Defense and Mr. 11 rings.

Bill Russell net worth – 

Bill had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of the death, HITC reported. 

Following his death, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement, calling Russell “the greatest champion in all of team sports.”

“Bill stood for something much bigger than sports: the values of equality, respect and inclusion that he stamped into the DNA of our league. At the height of his athletic career, Bill advocated vigorously for civil rights and social justice, a legacy he passed down to generations of NBA players who followed in his footsteps,” Silver said.

“Through the taunts, threats and unthinkable adversity, Bill rose above it all and remained true to his belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.”