Star Athletes Mourn Kobe Bryant Following News of His Tragic Death
By Sam Dunn
The sports world, as well as the world at large, remains in a state of shock after it was confirmed that Kobe Bryant passed away at the age of 41 in a helicopter accident outside Los Angeles.
It will be a long, long time before we've all had a chance to reckon with what it means to know that the Black Mamba, one of the most beloved and accomplished athletes the world has ever seen, is no longer with us. In the meantime, fellow superstars from the NBA and beyond were quick to take to Twitter to express their profoundest sadness at the news.
I’m stunned. Words can’t even come close to describing it. Just an incredibly sad and tragic day.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 26, 2020
There really are no words, Scottie.
Nooooooooooo God please No!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 26, 2020
Dwyane Wade, just three years Kobe's junior, speaks a painful truth.
We miss you already Kobe ❤️❤️????
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) January 26, 2020
Tom Brady is the NFL's Kobe Bryant if there ever was one.
What a sad day today. Kobe, you are a legend. I remember the time I was in the front row of a Celtics-Lakers game and...
Posted by Rob Gronkowski -Gronk on Sunday, January 26, 2020
Well said, Gronk.
Just don’t have the words.... #Kobe
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) January 26, 2020
Richard Sherman and his 49ers teammates are going to have a lot more on their minds than just the Super Bowl this week.
Man I don’t even know where to start?? I started playing ball because of KOBE after watching the 2010 finals. I had never watched ball before that and that finals was the turning point of my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE. I’m so FREAKING SAD right now!!!!
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) January 26, 2020
RIP LEGEND
Joel Embiid, like so many of us, grew up with Kobe.
Jeannine & I are absolutely shocked to hear of the loss of one of my favorite people & one of the best basketball minds in the history of the game! Our hearts & prayers to Vanessa & his girls. @kobebryant you were my biggest fan, but I was yours #RIPMAMBA @NBA @espn @SLAMonline pic.twitter.com/Ll0BD6VWgr
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) January 26, 2020
The respect for Bryant extended across the country and throughout all sports. The greatest names to ever suit up have offered their words and condolences.
Every team has to retire 24
— Tyler Herro (@raf_tyler) January 26, 2020
A great suggestion from Tyler Herro, as Kobe's legacy should be honored by the NBA for the rest of time.
It's not possible to picture a basketball landscape without the presence of Kobe Bean Bryant. His loss is felt today, and it will be felt for an incalculable number of tomorrows. You were one of a kind.