Former Chicago Bulls player and executive Billy McKinney had his collegiate jersey retired by Northwestern University this week, according to recent reporting from Sports Illustrated’s Stephen Beslic. That honor makes him the first such athlete to be so honored in the history of the school, and that is not the only first McKinney has on his résumé.
The former Wildcat guard also became the first-ever African-American executive with the Bulls organization, joining the team’s front office after retiring as a player with the club after the 1985-86 season.
“It’s a tremendous way to be recognized … something that I’ve never thought about,” said McKinney of the honor from his alma mater via ABC 7’s Dionne Miller. “And for it to happen now, at this stage in my life … when I can really appreciate it and understand the magnitude of what it means … it’s surreal.”
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“”It’s amazing to be in that environment and feel like I’m home,” he added.
