Sports have been a part of human life since ancient times. The earliest known athletic event, a running race, dates back to around 3000 BC. Though sports have been around for thousands of years, they’ve become a significant part of life, especially in the last century. The globalized world and digital age have given us the chance to follow sports events and athletes from all over the world. This has allowed incredibly talented athletes to become legendary figures globally. Some of these legends have been honored in a rare and special way—by having their jersey numbers retired. Many have heard of players whose numbers were retired by their teams, meaning no other player on that team will ever wear that number again. But there’s an even higher honor: having a jersey number retired across an entire league. Only three athletes in the world have received this ultimate tribute. Let’s get to know these three remarkable figures:
Recently, after the death of NBA legend Bill Russell, the league retired his No. 6 jersey, making him the third athlete ever and the first in the NBA to receive this honor. Before him, NHL (hockey) legend Wayne Gretzky and MLB (baseball) icon Jackie Robinson had their numbers retired league-wide. Jackie Robinson, known for breaking baseball’s color barrier, is celebrated not just for his talent but for his pivotal role in the history of racial integration in the U.S. Wayne Gretzky, arguably the greatest hockey player ever, is revered for his unmatched skills and numerous records. Bill Russell is remembered both for his incredible achievements and his active role in racial justice issues.
Jackie Robinson (42):
Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, making a significant impact on racial integration in the U.S. Before Robinson, Major League Baseball was segregated, with separate leagues for white and black players. Branch Rickey, MLB executive, recognized Robinson’s talent and resilience against racial abuse and brought him into the major leagues, making him the first African-American to play in MLB. Robinson faced intense racism from fans, opponents, and even teammates but stood firm. He showed that African-American players could compete, develop, lead teams, and win awards in MLB. Throughout his career, Robinson won the MVP award, was selected for the All-Star team six times, and helped his team win the 1955 World Series. He retired in 1956, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1962, and his No. 42 jersey was retired by the Dodgers in 1972. In 1997, on the 50th anniversary of Robinson breaking the color barrier, MLB Commissioner Bud Selig announced that No. 42 would be retired across all MLB teams, ensuring Robinson’s legacy lives on.
Wayne Gretzky (99):
Wayne Gretzky is the top scorer and playmaker in NHL history. Known as “The Great One,” Gretzky’s natural talent and dedication to hockey revolutionized the sport. His influence helped popularize hockey, and he’s widely considered the greatest hockey player ever. Gretzky’s achievements and records are legendary, with countless goals, assists, and championship wins. He left such an impact on the sport that his name is on street signs, statues, and in countless documentaries and films. Gretzky was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame and, in 1999, the NHL retired his No. 99 jersey for all teams, a testament to his unmatched legacy.
Bill Russell (6):
NBA legend Bill Russell passed away on July 31, 2022, at the age of 88. Following his death, the NBA retired his No. 6 jersey league-wide. Russell, who played 13 seasons with the Boston Celtics, achieved immense success, winning Olympic gold, two NCAA championships, five NBA MVP awards, 12 All-Star selections, four rebounding titles, and an unprecedented 11 NBA championships. Beyond his on-court achievements, Russell was a prominent civil rights advocate, marching with Martin Luther King Jr., supporting Muhammad Ali’s stand against the Vietnam War, and fighting against racial discrimination throughout his life. Despite facing significant racism and threats, Russell remained committed to justice and equality. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted Russell’s unparalleled success and civil rights activism as deserving of this historic honor.
It’s hard to predict who might join these three legends in the future, but the impact of legendary athletes will continue to be felt as long as sports exist. These athletes, whose jerseys have been retired league-wide, will always be remembered with the utmost respect.
