(Video) Bill Russell’s weeping widow embraces Jaylen Brown as Boston tribute Celtics legend
Jaylen Brown and Boston Celtics owners join Jeannine Russell, the late Bill Russell's wife, at the naming launch of a bridge.
Follow Us
Boston Celtics Jaylen Brown comforts Jeannine Russell, widow of the late Bill Russell
Boston Celtics superstar Jaylen Brown was always in the news throughout this offseason. Initially for his performances in the NBA Finals and then for the not-so-favorable situation with Team USA and the Paris Olympics. Besides that, the star has also been doing things close to his heart.
And now, just before the new season starts, he decided to help honor franchise legend Bill Russell. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Governor Maura Healey arranged an event to honor the Celtics great. They unveiled that the North Washington Street Bridge will be renamed as the ‘William Felton “Bill” Russell Bridge’.
The bridge in question, a short walk from TD Garden, is still under construction and will be officially unveiled next April. Bill Russell’s widow Jeannine Russell spoke at the event and shed tears as she spoke about her late husband.
At the end of her speech, she walked down and instantly embraced Brown. The NBA Finals MVP was there to support the causes the legend stood for.
Bill Russell’s wife Jeannine gave an emotional speech at todays’s Bill Russell Bridge ceremony.
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) October 21, 2024
Afterward, she went straight into Jaylen Brown’s arms.
Such a heartwarming moment because Jaylen carries Bill’s legacy onward in so many ways and Jeannine surely appreciates that. pic.twitter.com/IX8xvStCZC
Brown was there along with Celtics owners Wyc Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca. At the end of the ceremony, all the gathered dignitaries together unveiled the nameplate that will sit atop the bridge after its official unveiling.
Jaylen Brown’s words at Bill Russell’s bridge naming event summed up the legend’s life
Before the unveiling, the dignitaries present said a few words in honor of the late NBA legend. When it was time for Jaylen Brown to say something, he talked about what Bill Russell meant to him and the community.
Bill Russell transcends sports. It’s very fitting that the bridge is getting named after him, because what a bridge does is bring people together.
Jaylen Brown said on Bill Russell’s impact
The 27-year-old superstar also talked about how he would like to follow in the footsteps of the basketball great. He mentioned how he would use his platform to continue the work that Russell had done.
It is fitting for the former California alumni as he has worked to make the community better. The star started a wealth-building platform in Oakland along with Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd earlier this year. That program looks to help marginalized communities to build wealth.
Stay Updated!
Joseph Varghese
(2393 Articles Published)