Early Life and Education of Bill Russell: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Bill Russell. From birth to education, explore key events.
Bill Russell was a dominant center for the Boston Celtics from 1956-1969. He anchored a dynasty, winning 11 NBA championships in his 13 seasons. Renowned for his defense, rebounding, and shot-blocking, Russell is regarded as one of basketball's greatest players. His leadership both on and off the court was instrumental to the Celtics' success, solidifying his place as a sporting icon.
February 12, 1934: William Felton Russell Born
On February 12, 1934, William Felton Russell was born. He would later become a celebrated basketball player for the Boston Celtics.
1952: Graduation from McClymonds
In 1952, Bill Russell graduated from McClymonds High School.
1952: Starts College at USF
In 1952, Bill Russell started college at the University of San Francisco (USF).
1952: USF Joins WCC
In 1952, Bill Russell's alma mater, USF, joined the West Coast Conference (WCC) at its formation.
1954: Racism at All-College Tournament
In 1954, during the All-College Tournament, hotels in Oklahoma City refused to admit Bill Russell and his black teammates, leading the team to stay in a closed college dorm in protest.
1954: First Major College to Start Three African-American Players
In 1954, the coach of USF became the first coach of a major college basketball program to start three African-American players: K. C. Jones, Hal Perry, and Russell.
1956: USF Years End
Bill Russell played on USF's varsity team from 1953 to 1956.
1956: Rejection of Globetrotters Offer
In 1956, Bill Russell declined an invitation to join the Harlem Globetrotters due to racial prejudice from the owner.
1956: Marriage to Rose Swisher
In 1956, Bill Russell married his college sweetheart, Rose Swisher, with whom he had three children.
1956: Russell signs rookie contract
In 1956, Bill Russell signed a rookie contract worth $24,000, which was only slightly less than teammate Bob Cousy's $25,000, allowing Russell to focus solely on basketball without needing a part-time job.
1956: Ranked Seventh-Best High-Jumper
In 1956, Bill Russell was ranked the seventh-best high-jumper in the world by Track & Field News.
1956: Olympic Basketball Team
In 1956, Bill Russell was the captain of the U.S. men's Olympic basketball team at the Summer Olympics.
1958: Racial discrimination during NBA All-Stars tour
During the 1958 NBA All-Stars tour, Bill Russell and his black teammates faced racial discrimination when white hotel owners in segregated North Carolina denied them rooms.
1959: First NBA Player to Visit Africa
In 1959, Bill Russell became the first NBA player to visit Africa, marking a significant cultural exchange.
1961: Celtics boycott exhibition game in Lexington due to racial discrimination
In 1961, Bill Russell and his black teammates boycotted an exhibition game in Lexington, Kentucky, after being refused service at a local restaurant, leading to controversy and publicity.
1962: Cousy Campaigns for Ted Kennedy
In 1962, Cousy campaigned for Ted Kennedy, demonstrating the intersection of sports and politics.
January 31, 1963: White House Visit
On January 31, 1963, before an 18-point, 22-rebound performance against the Cincinnati Royals, the Celtics were to tour the White House, but Russell overslept and missed meeting President Kennedy.
1966: Russell becomes head coach of the Celtics
In 1966, Bill Russell became the head coach of the Boston Celtics. In a press conference, when asked if he could do the job impartially without any racial prejudice in reverse as the first Negro head coach in a major league sport, he replied that respect for a man's ability was the most important factor.
1966: Russell publishes "Go Up for Glory"
In 1966, Bill Russell publishes his memoir 'Go Up for Glory'.
1967: Russell supports Muhammad Ali at the Cleveland Summit
In 1967, Bill Russell participated in the Cleveland Summit to support Muhammad Ali's decision to refuse to be drafted into the military.
1968: Celtics overcome 3-1 deficit against 76ers after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination
During the 1967-68 NBA season, tragedy struck on April 4, 1968, with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., deeply affecting both the Philadelphia 76ers and Boston Celtics. Despite calls to cancel the series, the teams played an emotional Game 1 on April 5, which the Sixers lost. After falling behind 3-1, the Celtics rallied to win the series, marking the first time an NBA team had come back from such a deficit.
1968: Dorothy Anstett Miss USA
In 1968, Dorothy Anstett became Miss USA, later marrying Bill Russell in 1977.
1968: Impact of Robert Kennedy's assassination, Vietnam War, and marital issues
In 1968, Russell was shocked by the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, disillusioned by the Vietnam War, and weary from his increasingly stale marriage.
1969: Russell struggles with personal and national issues during 1968-69 NBA season
During the 1968-69 NBA season, Bill Russell was deeply affected by the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, his disillusionment with the Vietnam War, and problems with his marriage. These issues led to a decline in his well-being, both physically and mentally, and the Celtics had their worst record since the 1955-56 NBA season.
1969: Russell retires from the Celtics
In 1969, Bill Russell retired from the Celtics and cut all ties with the organization, surprising Red Auerbach. This led to Auerbach drafting Jo Jo White instead of a center, a decision that would negatively affect the Celtics' performance in the following season. Russell's decision to sell his retirement story to Sports Illustrated for $10,000 caused controversy, with some accusing him of selling out the future of the franchise. He resigned to join a career in television and movies.
1973: Divorce from Rose Swisher
In 1973, Bill Russell divorced his first wife, Rose Swisher, after growing emotionally distant.
1977: Marriage to Dorothy Anstett
In 1977, Bill Russell married Dorothy Anstett, who was Miss USA of 1968.
November 3, 1979: Russell Hosts Saturday Night Live
On November 3, 1979, Bill Russell hosted Saturday Night Live, participating in several sports-related sketches, marking a foray into entertainment.
1980: Divorce from Dorothy Anstett
In 1980, Bill Russell divorced his second wife, Dorothy Anstett.
March 7, 1986: Russell Appears in Miami Vice Episode
On March 7, 1986, Bill Russell appeared as Judge Roger Ferguson in "The Fix" episode of Miami Vice, expanding his presence in popular culture.
1996: Marriage to Marilyn Nault
In 1996, Bill Russell married his third wife, Marilyn Nault.
October 1999: Russell Returns to Prominence After Chamberlain's Death
Following Wilt Chamberlain's death in October 1999, Bill Russell returned to prominence after living as a near-recluse.
May 20, 2007: Russell Receives Honorary Doctorate from Suffolk University
On May 20, 2007, Bill Russell was awarded an honorary doctorate by Suffolk University, where he also served as commencement speaker.
June 7, 2007: Russell Receives Honorary Degree from Harvard
On June 7, 2007, Bill Russell received an honorary degree from Harvard University, adding to his academic accolades.
January 2009: Death of Marilyn Nault
In January 2009, Bill Russell's third wife, Marilyn Nault, passed away, ending their marriage.
June 14, 2009: Russell Receives Honorary Degree from Dartmouth
On June 14, 2009, Bill Russell received an honorary degree from Dartmouth College, further acknowledging his contributions beyond sports.
2010: Russell recalls Celtics' racial progress
In 2010, Russell recalled a list of the Celtics' accomplishments on racial progress both in terms of objective milestones and his own subjective experience as a member of the organization.
September 26, 2017: Russell Takes a Knee in Solidarity
On September 26, 2017, Bill Russell posted a photo of himself taking the knee in solidarity with the U.S. national anthem kneeling protests, wearing his Presidential Medal of Freedom to show support against social injustice.
