If there’s been a player more like Bill Russell in their support of civil rights off the court in the Boston Celtics’ seven decades of history than fourth-year shooting guard Jaylen Brown, they do not easily spring to mind.
So it was most appropriate for the Cal-Berkeley product to be the first of several Celtics to laud the Celtics legend in a recent team-produced clip circulated by Boston on Twitter with the hashtag #BecauseOfYou.
Teammates Marcus Smart, Javonte Green and Grant Williams added messages to Russell as well.
“Because of you, it is okay to be an activist, and an athlete,” Brown began.
“Because of you, kids that look like you believe that they can win. Because of you, there is a standard for being a human being and being an athlete. Because of you, it is okay to be more than just a basketball player. Because of you, I am proud to be a Celtic.”
“Thank you, Bill Russell — for everything,” closed the Georgia native.
Russell, an 11-time NBA champion, is widely considered one of the greatest winners in any sport of all time.
"#BecauseOfYou, @RealBillRussell, there is a standard for being a human being AND being an athlete." – @FCHWPO pic.twitter.com/70xQw3RHwo
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 3, 2020
But if he is remembered for anything, it will be the work he did as a civil rights activist to advance the position of Black and minority Americans everywhere.
Bill Russell was a pioneer in so many ways, both on and off the court. #BecauseOfYou, @RealBillRussell, new doors were opened for future generations. pic.twitter.com/EVVjkRpn5J
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 3, 2020
From holding integrated basketball camps harrassed by the Ku Klux Klan all to marching with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the March on Washington all the way up supporting those who have since picked up the struggle, Bill Russell has been what Jaylen Brown is becoming for a half-century and counting.
You inspired a new wave of athletes. #BecauseOfYou, @RealBillRussell. pic.twitter.com/1MZpiDILUi
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 3, 2020
For that, we echo Jaylen Brown in saying “thank you” for your life’s work.
And the basketball, too.
#BecauseOfYou, @RealBillRussell. pic.twitter.com/BxkKjGjKZb
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) September 3, 2020
