Russell Wilson joined together with NBA and NFL fans to mourn the demise of the former Milwaukee Bucks star! As Bridgeman, 71, succumbed to a fatal medical emergency on March 11, 2025, his impact on sports and business cannot be forgotten. Amidst this,Steelers QB Wilson stepped up to share a heartbroken message on his Twitter handle. Cherishing the memory of  Junior Bridgeman, he revealed that they spoke just 10 days ago.

Sharing NY’s post, he penned, “So sad. Literally was on the phone with Junior 10 days ago. Devastating. Life comes and goes when we least expect it. Keep praying and hold your loved ones. Thanks, Junior, for all you meant to me and so many others. You are the example we all aspire to be.” Wilson was shocked at the tragic demise of one of Milwaukee’s greatest legends.

Bridgeman’s death was untimely, as it occurred during a live interview with WLKY sports director Kent Taylor at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville. According to those who witnessed it, he had grabbed his chest. As everyone suspected it to be a heart attack, he was rushed to the hospital. But, unfortunately, he did not survive the attack.

Bridgeman was attending the 45th annual Leadership Luncheon on Scouting before he collapsed suddenly. The Al J. Schneider Company, which owns the Galt House Hotel, remarked, “Junior Bridgeman was an integral part of our community. From his athletic impact to his philanthropic efforts, he will be deeply missed.”

Indeed, all of us share Wilson’s admiration for Bridgeman. Wilson had a brief stint with Milwaukee Brewers’ minor league system circa 2010-2011. He transitioned phenomenally from NBA sixth man to self-made billionaire. Fans deeply regard his 12-year NBA career, and as he hanged up his sneakers, his business ventures are equally awestrucking.

The eternal legacy of Junior Bridgeman

Excelling in the domains of both basketball and business, Bridgeman was a force to be reckoned with. Born on September 17, 1953, in East Chicago, Indiana, he led the East Washington High School to a powerful state championship in 1971. His records at the University of Louisville were also phenomenal, leading to him being drafted eighth overall in 1975 by the Los Angeles Lakers. But, later he was traded to Milwaukee Bucks, and his records with the Bucks cannot be overlooked. Becoming the top sixth man, he played 711 games. And, his phenomenal trajectory rendered him as the president of the National Basketball Players Association (1985-1988).

After basketball, he ventured into business.  Working for Wendy’s, he developed a solid business acumen. As he retired, he went on to build one of the largest fast-food franchise empires. The list is spectacular; he owned over 250 Wendy’s, 125 Chili’s, and 45 Fannie May Chocolate stores, as he employed more than 11,000 people. Later, in 2017, he went on to acquire Heartland Coca-Cola Bottling Company. Moreover, in 2020, he went on to purchase Ebony and Jet magazines for $14 million.

Forbes recognised him for being one of the wealthiest former athletes, as his net worth skyrocketed to $1.4 billion. In 2024, Bridgeman also purchased a 10% stake in the Bucks, becoming a solid part of the franchise. On March 11, 2025, he suffered a fatal heart attack. tributes have been pouring in from people across the world as his legacy continues to live on.