"I think it's very fitting that the bridge is getting named after him, because what a bridge does is bring people together."
An official ceremony was held in Boston on Monday to mark the renaming of the North Washington Street Bridge after Bill Russell. Though the Celtics had a practice scheduled at a similar time, one player was able to be in attendance: Jaylen Brown.
Speaking at the dedication -- which was attended by a group that included Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, and Russell's widow, Jeannine -- Brown thanked Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens.
"Thank you, Brad, for allowing me to be late to practice to be here to honor Bill Russell," said Brown to Stevens (who was also present), according to Zack Cox of The Boston Herald. He then jumped into the legacy of Russell, the legendary Hall of Fame basketball player and civil rights activist.
"We're here to talk about the legacy of the great Bill Russell," he said. "Not only just what he's done for basketball, how many championships he won, but how many championships he won off the basketball floor, as well. Things he stood for in the community, things with education, things he stood for in a time which was much harder than now to stand for.
"Bill Russell transcends sports," Brown continued. "I can speak on and on about his resume, but his character, his demeanor and how he handled himself through adversity, I think that speaks volumes, especially in a time like today. I think it's very fitting that the bridge is getting named after him, because what a bridge does is bring people together. And the leadership of sports and the role that sports play in our society is bringing people together."
Brown has tried to pattern his life on and off the court after Russell, using his platform to advocate for social justice causes (attending protests in 2020).
On the court, Brown is now 1/11th of his way to Russell's incredible mark of NBA titles after helping Boston win a championship in 2024.
"Bill challenged us on a daily [basis]," Brown told the crowd. "He challenged us throughout his legacy, throughout his career, throughout his time spent here, and as I maneuver through my career, I plan on continuing to walk in his light."
Brown added that he wanted to "challenge everyone in this room to continue to do the same and continue to remember what Bill Russell stood for."
Along with his current Celtics teammates, Brown will get a chance to emulate a longtime pursuit of Russell's: Fighting to repeat as NBA champions. The new season begins in Boston on Tuesday against the Knicks.