Bill Russell, an NBA icon and the cornerstone of the Boston Celtics, breathed his last on July 31, 2022. Russell was part of the iconic Boston Celtics team that won eight NBA championships in a row. An NBA Hall of Famer and 11-time NBA champion, Bill Russell, died peacefully with his wife Jeannine by his side.

Bill Russell was someone who knew how to take a stand for his beliefs. The NBA legend once shared his love and affection for the MLB icon Jackie Robinson. Bill Russell was a big name in American sports. But he did not hesitate to praise Jackie Robinson for his moving impact on the game and society.

Although Jackie Robinson did not have a decorated career as Bill Russell, his impact on the game is still relevant. Notably, Robinson brought a revolutionary change in Major League Baseball when he broke the baseball color barrier while playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers (now known as Los Angeles Dodgers).

Bill Russell on Jackie Robinson’s legacy in American sports

Bill Russell’s legacy at the Boston Celtics is so huge that it is almost impossible for someone to replicate what he has done for the NBA side. The Celtics have won 17 NBA Championships, and 11 of them have come with Bill Russell by their side.

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Unlike Russell, Jackie Robinson does not have such a big trophy collection. But what he does have is respect, love, and affection from everyone. In an old interview with MLB Network, Russell opened up about his interaction with Jackie Robinson. He said that Jackie’s personality made him speechless.

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“I was at the Celtics… I met a guy that knew Jackie personally. He said, would you like to meet him? Of course, I would. And for the first time, I ever met a guy that made me speechless,” said Bill Russell. “I am standing there talking to Jackie Robinson. And I couldn’t imagine anything more significant or good or nicer than being Jackie Robinson in person…”

The Celtics legend also admitted that he never got a chance to express his love and respect for the MLB legend.

“One Regret that I have even today. I was unable to adequately express the respect and affection I had for him to him,” added Russell.

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Now, Bill Russell and Jackie Robinson are no more in this world. May their soul rest in peace.