The Celtics' plan to erect a Bill Russell statue ensures that a man who not only changed basketball, but also stood tall for what he believed, will finally have a public tribute like other legendary Boston sports stars. This documentary takes an in-depth look at his life, legacy and the issue of how to recognize him.
Photos
Russell's career
Russell's career
Many consider Bill Russell the greatest team sport athlete ever. Take a look his his many achievements on and off the court.
Video
Medal of Freedom
Medal of Freedom
In February, Bill Russell received the nation's highest civilian honor. Watch video of the ceremony at the White House.
Stories
Russell will get statue
Russell will get statue
The Celtics have announced that Hall of Fame center Bill Russell will get a statue built in his honor in Boston.
Biography

A legacy of greatness

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The legacy of Bill Russell, athlete, is easy to define: He is the quintessential winner in the history of American team sports.

During his 13 seasons as the center of the Boston Celtics, he led the way to 11 championships, including eight straight and nine in his first 10 seasons.

And it wasn't just that he did it, but how. Russell dominated not by scoring bundles of points like his rival Wilt Chamberlain, but by mastering the sport's less glamourous tasks. He was a shot-blocking intimidator, the fulcrum of the Celtics' defense, and a rebounder so extraordinary that he averaged 22.5 per game in his career.

But his story is full of compelling chapters that might trivialize his feats in basketball were they not so staggering. Russell marched with Martin Luther King Jr., spoke out about civil rights in racially charged Boston, and was recently bestowed with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The legacy of Bill Russell, the man, is one of dignity. Sometimes quiet, often outspoken, and forever worth honoring.

-- Chad Finn