Bill Russell, born on February 12, 1934, is a renowned former professional basketball player who played his entire career with the Boston Celtics in the NBA. Known for his defensive prowess and leadership on the court, Russell won 11 NBA championships, making him one of the most successful players in the history of the league. He was a dominant force in the paint and revolutionized the role of the center position. Off the court, Russell has been a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice causes. He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975 and is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.