Sunday afternoon marked a tragic day in the sports community. Basketball legend Kobe Bryant passed away after being involve in a helicopter crash alongside his daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant and five others in Calabasas, California.
With him being a polarizing sports figure, many NFL players were deeply shocked and saddened by the news. There were even a few current and former Jags who reacted to the tragedy, too, as Bryant was a hero in their eyes for many different reasons.
Former Jags tight end Marcedes Lewis, who is a California native and was born in Los Alamitos, paid tribute to Bryant by thanking him for the example he set as an athlete.
You set the precedent. A beautiful mirror for me. pic.twitter.com/kaT2qCO6ne
— Marcedes Lewis (@MarcedesLewis89) January 26, 2020
Former Jags safety and current Miami Dolphins defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander also shared his emotions towards Bryant’s passing. Like Lewis, he too is a California native from Rancho Cucamonga.
Just had to lay down….. this is terrible
— Gerald Alexander (@GAlexander21) January 26, 2020
Kobe and Nip all in a year. Legit tears man. My childhood is gone!
— Gerald Alexander (@GAlexander21) January 26, 2020
Current left tackle Cam Robinson was in disbelief, too.
Not Bean
— Cam. (@crobinson_68) January 26, 2020
Former Jags defensive end Ryan Davis obviously felt that Bryant was an untouchable player as he tweeted that he was in disbelief. Prior, he stated that he rooted against Bryant coming up but still admired his contributions to the game of basketball.
I know we all got a day, but Kobe was supposed to grow old man…smh shit so unreal!
— Ryan Davis (@bigdavis813) January 26, 2020
Our hearts go out to the Bryant family and the families of everyone involved with Sunday’s tragic event. Bryant will be truly missed by the sports community but at least fans can hang their hats on the fact that his legacy will be everlasting.
