Tom Brady reacts to Bill Russell's death: 'Very impactful figure'

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The death of Bill Russell reverberated across the sports world on Sunday.

The Boston Celtics great and NBA icon passed away at the age of 88. Russell’s family said in a statement that he passed away "peacefully" with his wife by his side.

Tom Brady played with the New England Patriots for 20 years before leaving and joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers just prior to the 2020 season. He was asked about Russell’s death Monday.

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Bill Russell of the Boston Celtics is shown in 1968. (AP Photo)

"I knew him pretty well. I had a lot of time up there in Boston and got to know him. He was a very impactful figure, even back to my early days with the Patriots. My second year during training camp he came and spoke to our team. A really imposing figure – he had a great presence about him. Obviously, what he overcame in his career was pretty unbelievable," Brady said.

"It was a sad day."

Russell was the No. 2 overall pick of the St. Louis Hawks in the 1956 draft. He was picked behind Si Green, who was chosen by the Rochester Royals, and in front of Jim Paxson Sr., who was selected by the Minneapolis Lakers. Russell would go on to score more points than both players combined.

In San Francisco, Russell helped the Dons win two consecutive NCAA titles in 1955 and 1956. He also led Team USA to a gold medal at the 1956 Olympics.

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady, #12, at Advent Health Training Complex In Tampa, Florida, July 27, 2022. (Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports)

Russell was traded to the Hawks on draft day for Cliff