FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- When Bill Belichick was in his second season as New England Patriots coach in 2001, Bill Russell -- the Boston Celtics great who won 11 NBA championships -- visited the team.
Russell's death on Sunday at age 88 had Belichick reflecting on that visit, and current Patriots players reflecting on Russell's legacy.
"It was great," Belichick said. "Bill's a great person. His comments on leadership, teamwork and unselfishness are all outstanding."
Belichick's close friendship with football great Jim Brown led to his connection with Russell, setting the stage for the 2001 visit.