Boston plans to honor Celtics legend Bill Russell with a bridge named in tribute to 11x NBA champion's legacy

The city of Boston is set to rename its North Washington Street Bridge after Bill Russell, a first in honor of the Celtics legend and civil rights pioneer two years after his death. Russell died aged 88 on July 31, 2022, sending the basketball world into mourning.

And no franchise was more touched than Boston, for whom he inspired to win 11 NBA championship titles during a stunning 13-year spell. He played his entire career in Boston, averaging 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 963 games.

He was a five-time NBA MVP, a 12-time All-Star, and also achieved the triple crown of winning an Olympic gold medal, an NBA championship, and a college title.

As per NBC Sports Boston, the city Mayor Michelle Wu announced in a statement on Friday that a press conference will be held on Monday at 9 a.m. on Causeway Street near the Garden. During the ceremony, officials will formally unveil the renaming of the North Washington Street Bridge, which connects Charlestown to the area near the arena, as the William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge.

Jeannine Russell, Russell's widow, and representatives from the Celtics organization are expected to participate in the renaming ceremony on Monday. The Cs will start their title defense on Tuesday.

The bridge is undergoing reconstruction and is expected to be completed this spring.

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Ecstatic fans applaud Boston’s move to honor Bill Russell with bridge rename

Just as fans saw this news, they filled the comments section with love and praise for the name change.

Praising Bill Russell and her daughter Karen Russell, along with appreciating them through a compliment, one fan congratulated:

“So deserved. Perfect timing, alongside Banner Night. Congrat @Karen_Russell to you and your family.”

A second one said:

“Used to walk over this bridge 2x a day, to and from work It’s very close to the Garden and this is a perfect honor.”

Another one praised him and said:

“He deserves it, great human being and a Boston sports icon, I just know he was looking down and smiling when they won the NBA title.”

Likewise, another fan echoed:

“Half the city should be named after him tbh”

In addition, another fan said:

“Great sentiment, but how about Bill Russell Avenue or street leading upto the Arena 🙏”

It's understandable the love Bill Russell still receives in the city of Boston. Known as a god-like figure, he brought the city together with a filled heart and inspired countless people. His larger-than-life legacy will be remembered for years to come.