The world went quiet on Sunday when news struck that a helicopter carrying NBA legend Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna (13) and nine others had crashed, leaving everybody on board dead.
Bryant, aside from being an all-time great in the sport of basketball, was one of the most iconic athletes of the 21st century. If you ever played a sport, regardless of which one, you likely idolized Bryant.
I played soccer growing up, a sport Bryant was very fond of. And before every game, it was a Kobe Bryant highlight video that got my blood pumping. I did not watch the video solely for his basketball skill, but because of the passion that was visibly pouring out of #8 or #24 in every play he made. Kobe was more than just a great basketball player, but it was his leadership, his drive, his never-quit mindset that would remind me to leave it all on the field every single game.
It was that Mama Mentality.
And that’s what was so inspiring about Kobe – that’s what touched all of us more than anything. To every athlete, no matter the sport, we can all learn something from the way Kobe approached life, how he valued time with his family and how we was laser-focused on becoming the best basketball player he could could possibly be from day one.
On Sunday, current and former Georgia football and basketball players felt the shockwaves of Bryant’s death and were obviously emotional. Many took to social media to honor the Black Mamba.
These are players who, like many of us, used Kobe as motivation to go to the gym when they really did not want to. They looked up to Kobe for how he commanded respect from anybody he played with or against. These are all players who wanted to strike fear in the opposition the way Kobe did 82 times a year.
It is a sad day losing @kobebryant and his daughter. He was a True Legend! Prayers to his family and all the others losing loved ones in this tragedy. God Bless All
— Herschel Walker (@HerschelWalker) January 26, 2020
Prayers go out to the Bryant family and all those affected by today’s tragedy. One of the greatest competitors ever. Kobe is leaving quite the legacy both on and off the court #8 #24
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) January 27, 2020
I have no words God speed my friend @kobebryant You are a legend pic.twitter.com/q3FPijCaGy
— Dominique Wilkins 🏀 🧢 (@DWilkins21) January 26, 2020
The coldest competitor I’ve ever witnessed & forever my favorite athlete. RIP Mamba 😔
— Keith Marshall (@Truthh4) January 26, 2020
I really don’t even remember having another favorite player than Kobe, ever since I started watching b-ball it’s been him
— DB17 (@DavinBellamy17) January 27, 2020
I swear it feel like i lost my pops
— DB17 (@DavinBellamy17) January 27, 2020
I love you Kobe
— DB17 (@DavinBellamy17) January 27, 2020
R.I.P to Kobe and Gianna 🙏🏾 This hit hard, words can’t describe! Prayers to the family and friends 🙏🏾 We need to appreciate and love the ones we are around! Life is so short 💔 pic.twitter.com/cgHfMSIZ8J
— Mecole Hardman Jr. (@MecoleHardman4) January 26, 2020
RIPMamba 🙏🏾
— Sony Michel (@Flyguy2stackz) January 26, 2020
Rest in Paradise 🐐 pic.twitter.com/v3M9nYv4wS
— Jeremiah Holloman (@Obey_Classics) January 26, 2020
My prayers go out to the Bryant family!! Give them strength in this time of pain!! 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿❤️❤️
— Garrison Hearst (@garrisonhearst5) January 26, 2020
Rest Easy…Prayers to the Bryant Family as well as the other lives that were lost today. Every day/hour/minute is not promised we can not take it for granted. #mambamentality https://t.co/Ji7dykXV2w
— DjShockley (@DjShockley3) January 26, 2020
Man…today is tougher then yesterday!!! Kobe you will be missed!! #MyIdol #MambaForever
— Tim Jennings (@HennOrJenn26) January 27, 2020
Speechless right now. So sad to hear about the passing of Kobe. Didn’t even believe it was true. For anyone, even if you didn’t like basketball, you had to respect and admire him. He was the definition of perseverance and chasing greatness consistently. RIP to a Legend. pic.twitter.com/ZLYoAVpZpy
— Rennie Flomo Curran (@RennieCurran53) January 26, 2020
Kobe man I didn’t t expect this to hit like this
— Malik Herring (@HerringMalik) January 26, 2020
LORD HAVE MERCY! Please don’t let this be true!!!
— Chris BBBurnette (@Chrisburnette68) January 26, 2020
I’m in awe..
— Tavarres King (@Tkunodos) January 26, 2020
Tell your people you love ‘em while they are still here.
— Brian Herrien (@brianherrienn) January 26, 2020
To have support from your childhood hero… my heart is heavy. I pray relentlessly for his family and all families involved. #RIPKobe https://t.co/JXlCV2ifAo
— Malcolm Mitchell (@MalcolmJarod) January 27, 2020
Geno Atkins enjoys another milestone surrounded with family.
Blessed to have experienced my 8th Pro Bowl with my wife and son by my side. Got the Dub. #Greatful https://t.co/19DDCoSEp1
— Geno Atkins (@GenoSacks) January 27, 2020