FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Bill Belichick in his second season. New England Patriots Coach in 2001 Bill Russell The Boston Celtics Great who won 11 NBA championships — visited team.
Russell’s death on Sunday at age 88 Belichick and the current Patriots players reflect on Russell’s legacy.
Belichick said, “It’s great.” Bill is a great man. His comments on leadership and teamwork are outstanding.
Belichick’s friendship with Jim Brown, a great football player, led to his connection to Russell. This set the stage for Russell’s 2001 visit. Two of the Patriots longest-tenured players are here this week — Matthew Slater Devin McCourty — shared their experiences with Russell.
Slater said, “It is really hard to put in words what Bill Russell meant not just to this city but to professional sport has meant for Black athletes and just the progress that we’ve witnessed in this country over sixty years or so.”
“When I think about Bill Russell, I don’t necessarily think of the championships. Or the Celtics or the winning, which are a legacy that speaks for themselves. I think about what he did to help Black athletes. Bill Russell’s actions have benefited me. They were willing to stand up for Black athletes and Black Americans and push for equality and change.
Slater was specifically referring to Russell’s 1961 boycott of an exhibition game as a protest against discrimination.
McCourty describes himself as a huge basketball fan and playing in New England professional football brought him closer to Russell.
“Coming here and learning his story, all you know at first is Bill Russell, a champion and winner. McCourty spoke of McCourty’s vulnerability and willingness to talk about his past and want change.
“As an athlete who gets to play in this region, I was inspired and motivated by his way of looking at things. I believe the path he paved was for Black athletes to be successful in this area, and in sports generally. When I think back to his life, I realize that he wasn’t just an athlete but also a better person. We strive to emulate Bill Russell.
Belichick gave more details about Russell’s visit with the Patriots during a Sirius XM NFL Radio interview.
He was a huge Patriots fan, gave us lots of support, and was a great person to talk with. Bill Russell has taught me a lot. Belichick expressed his gratitude for the chance to have a relationship with Bill Russell.
“Obviously, he was a great athlete and there was a lot attention on him. But, how he tried deflect that, enhance other players, how to make other players better, what he could to help his fellow players.
“Ultimately his role changed to player to coach to some combination of both. So he spoke a lot to how being leader was important and how being a coach with being a player was crucial in helping the team.
“And veteran players on every side, as we did at the time and still do, are not just great players but mentors and leaders. They must find ways to improve the play of other players while maintaining their own level. That’s what great players do. Although we have had many of them, Bill really put it into perspective.