Sue Bird Glad World Finally Catching Up

Sue Bird, basketball legend, opens up about her career, relationships, and documentary in a revealing interview. Watch "Sue Bird: In the Clutch" now.

One sunny afternoon this spring, I strolled into a cozy restaurant in downtown Manhattan and spotted a familiar face sitting alone. It was none other than Sue Bird, a basketball legend with a remarkable career filled with five gold medals and four WNBA championships. Despite her impressive resume, the restaurant patrons seemed unfazed by her presence.

Sue Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest women's basketball players of all time. With records for games played, wins, assists, and All-Star appearances in the WNBA, as well as multiple championships in college and overseas, her legacy is unmatched. While some may argue that players like Diana Taurasi or Maya Moore were more dominant at their peaks, Bird's longevity and success set her apart. In fact, she is often compared to legendary point guards like Magic Johnson and Steph Curry for her impact on the game.

For many years, Bird was known for her selfless playing style, always preferring to set up her teammates rather than seeking personal glory. However, a shift occurred around a decade ago when she publicly came out as gay and began a relationship with Megan Rapinoe. Together, they have used their platform to advocate for underrepresented groups and launched a production company. Bird's recent documentary, "Sue Bird: In the Clutch," delves into her journey from a young girl in Syosset, Long Island to her retirement in 2022. While her pass-first mentality remains a core part of her identity, retirement has allowed her to embrace a more assertive approach on and off the court.

Reflecting on her evolution, Bird shares, "I think as I got older, I just started to let go a little bit. Dating Megan definitely played a role in pushing me to be more vocal and comfortable in my skin. It all culminated in 2017, and since then, I've continued to grow and evolve."