Boston Celtics legend and 11-time NBA Champion Bill Russell has passed away at the age of 88. Russell was the leader of the Celtics dynasty that won eight straight titles.

An announcement… pic.twitter.com/KMJ7pG4R5Z

— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) July 31, 2022

A statement on social media posted by Russell’s family stated that Russell died “peacefully” with his wife, Jeannine, at his side. The statement read:

“But for all the winning, Bill’s understanding of the struggle is what illuminated his life. From boycotting a 1961 exhibition game to unmask too-long-tolerated discrimination, to leading Mississippi’s first integrated basketball camp in the combustible wake of Medgar [Evers’] assassination, to decades of activism ultimately recognized by his receipt of the Presidential Medal of Freedom … Bill called out injustice with an unforgiving candor that he intended would disrupt the status quo, and with a powerful example that, though never his humble intention, will forever inspire teamwork, selflessness and thoughtful change.”

“Bill’s wife, Jeannine, and his many friends and family thank you for keeping Bill in your prayers. Perhaps you’ll relive one or two of the golden moments he gave us, or recall his trademark laugh as he delighted in explaining the real story behind how those moments unfolded. And we hope each of us can find a new way to act or speak up with Bill’s uncompromising, dignified and always constructive commitment to principle. That would be one last, and lasting, win for our beloved #6.”

In a statement by NBA commissioner Adam Silver, he said Russell is “the greatest champion in all of team sports.”

“I cherished my friendship with Bill and was thrilled when he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. I often called him basketball’s Babe Ruth for how he transcended time. Bill was the ultimate winner and consummate teammate, and his influence on the NBA will be felt forever.”

Russell, who was born in West Monroe, Louisiana, in 1934, battled several illnesses during his childhood. When World War II began, he was 10, and his family decided to move to California, where there were jobs in the shipyards of Oakland. Russell attended the University of San Francisco before being drafted to the NBA.

Russell was the 2nd overall pick in the 1956 NBA Draft. Known as the greatest player of all-time in his generation, Russell was a five-time MVP and a 12-time All-Star. In addition to those accolades, Russell averaged 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds, 8.6 blocks, and 4.3 assists throughout his career.

Twitter instantly mourned the loss of Russell.

RIP Bill Russell. Legends are forever. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/5ADklOjKRy

— Kobe Highlights & Motivation (@kobehighlight) July 31, 2022

Bill Russell will be remembered as one of the most impactful athletes in American history

-1st Black head coach of any North American pro sports team
-Received Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011
-11x NBA champ (2 as coach)
-5x league MVP
-2x NCAA champ
-Olympic gold medalist pic.twitter.com/qSsOb45lAQ

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 31, 2022

One of my favorite Bill Russell moments… RIP Legend 💔pic.twitter.com/A7VBRpjUZ0

— Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) July 31, 2022

My deepest condolences to the family, loved ones and the @NBA community on the loss of the greatest champion we’ve ever known: BILL RUSSELL. An activist, a pioneer, a humanitarian. He made the world better for us all.#RIPCHAMPION

— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) July 31, 2022

I’m heartbroken to hear about the passing of the greatest winner the game of basketball has ever seen, a legend, hall of famer, mentor and my friend for over 30 years, Bill Russell. 💔 pic.twitter.com/iiSkVq2kdn

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) July 31, 2022

Rest in Peace to the legend, Bill Russell.