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Bill Russell has been immortalized in Boston infrastructure.
A bridge that connects the city’s Charlestown neighborhood with the West End and the North End was renamed the William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge after the late Boston Celtics legend.
“The bridge renaming will honor [Russell’s] dedication to civil rights and the fostering of Boston’s youth and young athletes,” Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s office announced on Friday.
Russell created an unrivaled legacy in the North End, leading the Celtics to 11 NBA Championships during his 13-season career. He spent the entirety of his career in Boston and averaged 15.1 points, 22.3 rebounds and 4.3 points across his 963 games. He was an 11-time All-Star and a five-time MVP.
Russell, who passed away at 88-years-old in 2022, was the Celtics player-coach for two of the franchise’s titles.
This is not the first honor bestowed upon Russell’s legacy, as Boston has a statue dedicated to him in the City Hall Plaza and the NBA Finals NBA is presented in his honor. Additionally, his number has been universally retired across the NBA.
The bridge is currently under construction and will reopen in the Spring. The City will host a renaming ceremony on Monday with Russell’s widow, Jeannine, in attendance alongside Wu, Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca and several players and team officials.
