“Sad Day”: Steelers’ Russell Wilson Mourns Death of Legendary HOFer Bill Walton; Joins Patrick Mahomes & Aaron Rodgers in Paying Homage

Hall of Fame basketball legend Bill Walton passed away at the age of 71 on May 27 after battling with prolonged cancer. The NBA icon’s death sent shockwaves not just through the basketball world, but also overall in the field of sports. NBA maestros along with the NFL star players expressed their condolences on the two-time champion’s death. NFL QB Russell Wilson also joined them in mourning the loss of the star broadcaster, expressing his emotions after hearing the news about Walton.

Taking to his official Instagram account, Russell Wilson paid tribute to the Basketball Hall of Fame center’s passing. Along with sharing the ESPN post confirming the demise of the basketball legend, he wrote a heartfelt message on his IG story. “Amazing man. Sad day.” The Pittsburgh Steelers QB added a praying hand emoji, offering his condolences to the dear ones of the departed soul.

However, it was not just Wilson who was saddened by the death of legendary icon Bill Walton. His fellow quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers also paid their respects to the NBA great, expressing their sadness upon hearing the heartbreaking news.

Amidst supporting his favorite NBA team, the Dallas Mavericks, who are leading the series 3-0 against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Conference Semi-Finals, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ mood was dampened by the death of the NBA HOFer. Taking to his X handle, the 3-time SB winner paid his homage to the incredible NBA champion. “Legend! RIP,” he tweeted.

Legend! RIP 🙏 https://t.co/Y9v6a488eT

— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) May 27, 2024

Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets QB also joined in expressing remorse at the saddening loss of the NBA star icon. By sharing a throwback snap of the late NBA phenomenon on his IG handle, four-time NFL MVP paid his tribute with a heartfelt note that read,  “Crushed to hear the news this am of the passing of my friend Bill Walton.💔 Bill was larger than life, with huge heart and inspiring presence. He impacted every person that he met with a smile, anecdote, word of wisdom, or maybe just a fist bump 👊🏻. I’m grateful to have gotten to know Bill over the years and to call him a friend. 🥹”

After an excellent career in the NBA, Walton transitioned to television and brought his identifiable drive and determination to his commentary. He is being remembered as a person who carried ‘zest for life’ with his contributions to the world of sports.

Remembering Bill Walton’s presence on and off the court!

Dave Pasch, ESPN broadcaster and longtime on-air partner of Walton, also paid his respects to the icon with a deeply felt note, acknowledging Walton’s off-court character. “Bill was a special, kind, and genuine person. I’m incredibly grateful for our close friendship and the time we spent together on the air, out to dinner after the game, or in his teepee in his backyard. An iconic athlete and broadcaster, but more importantly, a legendary person who always made me smile,” Pasch stated.

Pau Gasol, six-time NBA All-Star, also joined the world in expressing his condolences over the loss of the NBA virtuoso icon. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Bill Walton, a basketball legend and an incredible human being. … You will be deeply missed,” he wrote.

Reminiscing his NBA days, the mind automatically shifts to his 468 regular season games, in which he averaged 13.3 points per match along with 10.5 rebounds. He won 1 Sixth Man of the Year award, 1 MVP award, and 1 Finals MVP award, after which he entered the Hall of Fame in 1993.

The Hall of Famer was not only an outstanding NBA player who achieved numerous accolades but also an eccentric figure who inspired the world. In 2023, the docuseries ‘The Luckiest Guy in the World’ was released, chronicling his rise in basketball, his battles with injuries, and his later life as a fun-loving commentator. His remarkable legacy and accomplishments on and off the court will be long remembered by the NBA community and sports enthusiasts everywhere.