NBA legend Bill Russell will be forever remembered as the city of Boston officially renamed the North Washington Street Bridge in his honor.
On Monday, current Celtics star Jaylen Brown helped unveil the new sign that will sit above the bridge. Celtics co-owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca joined Brown at the ceremony honoring the decorated champion and civil rights icon who transcended sports.
Bill Russell's impact will forever be felt in the city of Boston 💚☘️
We are proud to announce that the North Washington Street Bridge will become the William Felton "Bill" Russell Bridge. pic.twitter.com/Nl48JTvPoz
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 21, 2024
Charlestown will now connect to Boston’s West End and North End with the William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge.
“Bill Russell transcends sports. I could speak on and on about his resume. But his character, his demeanor, how he handled himself through adversity, I think that speaks volumes, especially in a time like today,” said Brown.
“I think it’s very fitting that the bridge is getting named after him. Because what a bridge does is bring people together.”
The centerpiece of the Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 championships in 13 years, Russell earned his last two NBA titles as a player-coach — the NBA’s first Black coach.
“A bridge for civil rights,” said Jeannine Russell, the widow of Russell who was brought to tears as she spoke about her husband’s civil rights impacts.
The bridge is currently under construction and should be finished by April.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.