Some will argue for 12 for Brady, but lots of great QBs with 12.
LT by far the best player to wear 56.
Of course the NFL will never bestow that on “Bad Boy” LT.
Neither player was the first black head coach in the NFL, nor were they instrumental in leading the league to national prominence, nor were they civil right leaders. This isn’t just about his playing ability. In fact, it’s probably the least important factor.
But if the nba does this for Russell, wouldn’t you think they’d have do the same for Jordan, Magic, Bird, etc when they pass?
I think MJ is the only one else who could get this treatment, due to his impact on the globalization of the sport and the league's financial success today.
But nobody else has Russell's on-court AND off-court resume, he's in a league of his own there.
but maybe they approached Russell and he didn't want it while he was alive. I vote no on anyone else. No one else deserves it IMO.
I think you could be right.
Russell also refused to be at his HOF ceremony because he felt like Chuck Cooper (1st black player drafted in the NBA) should have been inducted before him.
I feel like he would feel similarly about this honor, especially since Jackie Robinson is the only one with it retired throughout in baseball.
He's one of the all time greats, but he's not Jackie Robinson. I am not in favor of this. It cheapens what Jackie did.
I think Wayne Gretzky having his number retired in hockey kind of shows that it doesn't just need to be about breaking the race barrier.
For what it's worth, Bill Russell was the only pall-bearer at Jackie Robinson's funeral who wasn't an ex-teammate of Jackie's. He was Jackie's favorite athlete and a man who he respected tremendously.
I'm generally not really a fan of leaguewide retirements like this because then you always say "but then this other guy deserves it too" and it could get a little awkward. But I don't think "he's not Jackie" is a good enough reason to say Russell doesn't deserve this.
I don't think it cheapens Jackie Robinson. I think it links Bill Russell with Jackie Robinson and I think he's worthy of that honor. Bill Russell won all those rings and was the first African American coach in any sport, in Boston, and his social activism off the court transcended sports.
The NBA players are the most socially active athletes now. It makes sense to me.
I loved watching LT play. Best defender ever to step on an NFL field.
But he is not a guy you give a leaguewide honor to.
The drug addiction, the off-the-field stuff, not an exemplary life. He's said the same in the documentary about him.
Russell is being honored for his life's work, not just his on-the-court play and (mind blowing) 11 rings. LT's not that kind of man and not worthy of an unprecedented leaguewide honor — but he's still the defensive GOAT.
RE: I loved watching LT play. Best defender ever to step on an NFL field.
But he is not a guy you give a leaguewide honor to.
The drug addiction, the off-the-field stuff, not an exemplary life. He's said the same in the documentary about him.
Russell is being honored for his life's work, not just his on-the-court play and (mind blowing) 11 rings. LT's not that kind of man and not worthy of an unprecedented leaguewide honor — but he's still the defensive GOAT.
I'm actually not a fan of these leaguewide jersey retirements, but it's good to see Bill Russell being celebrated like this.
LT by far the best player to wear 56.
Of course the NFL will never bestow that on “Bad Boy” LT.
Quentin Grimes baby!
I'm guessing his civil rights work may also have something to do with it as well.
Also, players currently wearing number 6 will be allowed to continue. Grandfather clause.
Quote:
But if the nba does this for Russell, wouldn’t you think they’d have do the same for Jordan, Magic, Bird, etc when they pass?
I'm guessing his civil rights work may also have something to do with it as well.
Also, players currently wearing number 6 will be allowed to continue. Grandfather clause.
Russell was also the first African American head coach.
LT by far the best player to wear 56.
Of course the NFL will never bestow that on “Bad Boy” LT.
Neither player was the first black head coach in the NFL, nor were they instrumental in leading the league to national prominence, nor were they civil right leaders. This isn’t just about his playing ability. In fact, it’s probably the least important factor.
I think MJ is the only one else who could get this treatment, due to his impact on the globalization of the sport and the league's financial success today.
But nobody else has Russell's on-court AND off-court resume, he's in a league of his own there.
With all due respect to the great Jerry West, Jordan should be the logo, instead
The amount of money he helped the NBA and its affiliates generate is phenomenal.
As for this gesture for Russell, I support the idea
I think you could be right.
Russell also refused to be at his HOF ceremony because he felt like Chuck Cooper (1st black player drafted in the NBA) should have been inducted before him.
I feel like he would feel similarly about this honor, especially since Jackie Robinson is the only one with it retired throughout in baseball.
I think Wayne Gretzky having his number retired in hockey kind of shows that it doesn't just need to be about breaking the race barrier.
For what it's worth, Bill Russell was the only pall-bearer at Jackie Robinson's funeral who wasn't an ex-teammate of Jackie's. He was Jackie's favorite athlete and a man who he respected tremendously.
I'm generally not really a fan of leaguewide retirements like this because then you always say "but then this other guy deserves it too" and it could get a little awkward. But I don't think "he's not Jackie" is a good enough reason to say Russell doesn't deserve this.
The NBA players are the most socially active athletes now. It makes sense to me.
The drug addiction, the off-the-field stuff, not an exemplary life. He's said the same in the documentary about him.
Russell is being honored for his life's work, not just his on-the-court play and (mind blowing) 11 rings. LT's not that kind of man and not worthy of an unprecedented leaguewide honor — but he's still the defensive GOAT.
The drug addiction, the off-the-field stuff, not an exemplary life. He's said the same in the documentary about him.
Russell is being honored for his life's work, not just his on-the-court play and (mind blowing) 11 rings. LT's not that kind of man and not worthy of an unprecedented leaguewide honor — but he's still the defensive GOAT.
Well said
Russell was so much more of a game-changing force both in the NBA and, more importantly, in society than those others you name.
Russell was such a high character guy - he would have probably refused it. He never put himself over others.