Bill Russell

“Commitment separates those who live their dreams from those who live their lives regretting the opportunities they have squandered.”

“What's more important than who's going to be the first black manager is who's going to be the first black sports editor of the New York Times.”

“The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot.”

“We learn to make a shell for ourselves when we are young and then spend the rest of our lives hoping for someone to reach inside and touch us. Just touch us—anything more than that would be too much for us to bear.”

“Durability is part of what makes a great athlete.”

“This monument is going to be built as a symbol.”

“Most people have a harder time letting themselves love than finding someone to love them.”

“Concentration and mental toughness are the margins of victory.”