LeSean McCoy has been a dynamic athlete since his days at Pitt and his time with the Eagles allowed the all-world running back to develop an appreciation for Philadelphia’s basketball royalty, Kobe Bryant.
McCoy, like everyone else, was rocked by the news that Bryant, his daughter Gigi and seven other passengers had passed away in a tragic helicopter crash.
McCoy and his Chiefs teammates found about Bryant’s passing while on the team’s flight to Miami for the Super Bowl. During the Super Bowl’s opening night with the media, the Chiefs star reflected on his first time meeting, Bryant, while still a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.
For McCoy, Bryant dubbing him “Shifty Shady” and knowing who he was as an athlete left him speechless.
LeSean McCoy said he found out about Kobe Bryant on the flight to Miami from Patrick Mahomes. Kobe was an Eagles fan and a McCoy fan and McCoy tells @latimessports what it was like to meet Kobe for the first time. pic.twitter.com/bxs74rT9hM
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) January 28, 2020
While delving deep into the topic of Bryant’s untimely death, McCoy told the LA Times that the NBA stars’ death has forced him to make positive changes to his own life.
LeSean McCoy said the death of Kobe Bryant has made him change his life. pic.twitter.com/Y72kLPLj1L
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) January 28, 2020
McCoy talked about Bryant’s passing “putting things into perspective” and allowing him to
“appreciate” everyday life instead of focusing on touchdowns and contract situations.
While taking in the spectacle of media day, McCoy went on to say that he’s not ready to retire, but that he’ll definitely walk away from the game as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.