The sports world was turned upside down Sunday afternoon following the shocking news that retired NBA superstar Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash outside of Calabasas. He was 41.
Bryant was among the greatest athletes of his generation, in any sport, and his death shocked and saddened just about everyone, including many former athletes who grew up inspired by the former Lakers superstar.
An outpouring of grief hit social media after the announcement, including a ton of messages from members of the Seattle Seahawks.
I’m sick to my stomach yo…..this can’t be real
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) January 26, 2020
What this can’t be real… Kobe Bryant
— Rashaad Penny (@pennyhendrixx) January 26, 2020
Please tell me this is not real
— Tyler Lockett (@TDLockett12) January 26, 2020
No😢😢
— Germain Ifedi (@GermainX1) January 26, 2020
I am truly hurt
— DK Metcalf (@dkm14) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe🐐🙏🏾
— Rasheem Green (@ras_green) January 26, 2020
Never Take Life For Granted
R.I.P. Legend pic.twitter.com/dads2XUIDJ— Douglas Baldwin Jr 🧢 (@DougBaldwinJr) January 26, 2020
This hurts man…
— Cj Prosise (@Prosisely_22) January 26, 2020
🙏🏾🙏🏾 RIP to a legend Kobe Bryant
— Chris Carson (@ccarson_32) January 26, 2020
Man, RIP Kobe #MambaMentalityForever🐍
— Joey Hunt (@joeyhunt53) January 26, 2020
Doesn’t even seem real or believable.. So sad
— Ugo Amadi (@UAmadi7_) January 26, 2020
Bryant retired in 2016, scoring 60 points in his final game in a contest that captivated the entire league. He was an 18-time All-Star and is widely considered one of the five greatest players in NBA history.
Bryant finished his career scoring 33,643 points, which is fourth all-time just behind Lebron James – who passed him earlier this week and prompted the final tweet of Bryant’s life.
Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020
Our thoughts are with Bryant, his family and the NBA community following this tragedy.
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