Jackie Robinson and Muhammad Ali are inextricably linked through their respective athletic pursuits, but more importantly, for the shared cause they both stood for.
On Saturday morning the Jackie Robinson Foundation paid tribute to Ali, who died Friday at age 74.
The Foundation's president and CEO, Della Britton, released a statement:
"Muhammad Ali's demonstrated sense of integrity, discipline, self respect, and courage help define the powerful legacy he leaves. Ali's impact will be felt forever. His brave, bold and generous spirit and his uplifting presence will be terribly missed by masses of people around the world."
Though Ali and Robinson occasionally differed in opinion, the two respected each other and are connected forever as African American sports icons and civil rights pioneers. While Robinson was never as brash or forceful as Ali, both men stood tall at the forefront of the civil rights movement through their actions and words.
"While disagreeing at times as to methodology and even philosophically, Muhammad Ali and Jackie Robinson shared a commitment to achieving equality for African Americans and a better, more inclusive American society," the Robinson Foundation added in their release. "The two men, both very spiritual, held deep respect for each other."