Bill Russell, a Celebrated USF Alum, Civil Rights Figure and 11-Time NBA Champion, Dies at 88

Russell leaves an enormous legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time and a key figure in the civil rights movement.

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back-to-back national championships in 1955 and 1956, averaging more than 20 points and 20 rebounds per game in each of those seasons.

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As a racial justice activist, NBA great Bill Russell was a legend off the court

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"Bill Russell, the most prolific winner in American sports history, passed away peacefully today at age 88, with his wife, Jeannine, by his side.

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In February 2011, Barack Obama presented Russell with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the East Room of the White House.

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He also supported iconic boxer Muhammad Ali in his opposition to being drafted into military service.

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"Today, we lost a giant. As tall as Bill Russell stood, his legacy rises far higher -- both as a player and as a person,"

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NBA legend and civil rights activist Bill Russell dies at 88

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