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In truly tragic news, Kobe Bryant was one of multiple people who reportedly died in a Los Angeles helicopter crash on Sunday morning. Kobe’s daughter Gianna Bryant was also reportedly one of those who did not survive the accident.
Ugh. Just awful.
Kobe was obviously known for being an NBA legend but he also had a special connection to the Philadelphia Eagles. The Lower Merion High School alumnus spent part of his life growing up in Philly and he was never shy about his Eagles fandom.
Kobe Bryant's Thanksgiving message: "Go Eagles!" http://t.co/Yb211mqMrU pic.twitter.com/r7510RZbzn
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) November 27, 2014
Kobe Bryant left Philly wearing an Eagles shirt (via @axgilbert) https://t.co/mKAmPGuZkV pic.twitter.com/BFErDGy0px
— Brandon Lee Gowton (@BrandonGowton) December 2, 2015
Kobe gave a pep talk to the Eagles when the team stayed out in Los Angeles ahead of a road game against the Rams back in December 2017, less than two months before the Birds won Super Bowl LII. Kobe was legitimately pumped when the Eagles finally won their first Vince Lombardi Trophy:
This is 2 years ago. How excited Kobe Bryant was that his Eagles won the Super Bowl
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) January 26, 2020
“We won the f***** Super Bowl!”#RIPMAMBA pic.twitter.com/adzIFoQZfZ
The Eagles put out a statement:
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) January 26, 2020
Players have also taken to social media to pay tribute to one of the greatest competitors of all time.
Prayers up for his family. So sad and heartbreaking.
— Carson Wentz (@cj_wentz) January 26, 2020
Sitting here in disbelief...I can’t even begin to wrap my mind around the loss of another King
— Malcolm Jenkins (@MalcolmJenkins) January 26, 2020
You brought something different to the game You was my Favorite Ni*** !!!! There will never be another BLACC MAMBA Love You bro !!!! @kobebryant This shit can’t be true IM SIC https://t.co/x9QckmE2bN
— Desean Jackson (@DeSeanJackson10) January 26, 2020
Speechless... proves that life is too short. Rest in Heaven, you a true role model @kobebryant #Mamba
— Miles Sanders (@BoobieMilesXXIV) January 26, 2020
Man this hurts...
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) January 26, 2020
This news is killing me today... My childhood hero gone too soon. Better believe I got him!! RIP MAMBA #EpicSh*t pic.twitter.com/DNFAMD18N4
— Zach Ertz (@ZERTZ_86) January 26, 2020
Rip 8Kobe24 #MambaMentality
— Alshon Jeffery (@TheWorldof_AJ) January 26, 2020
The impact you had on many lives can never be measured. RIP Black Mamba 24/8. Prayers for your family and the families of the others who lost their lives as well. pic.twitter.com/QI8WYke6a5
— Jordan Howard (@JHowardx24) January 26, 2020
There will never be another like you
— Rodney McLeod (@Rodney_McLeod4) January 26, 2020
R.I.P Kobe #MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/Akdv0TBnnt
Hard to believe
— Avonte Maddox (@2live_AM) January 26, 2020
Man this one hurts
— Avonte Maddox (@2live_AM) January 26, 2020
MY FAVORITE ATHLETE EVER MAN..MY INSPIRATION!!!
— Sidney Jones IV (@SidneyJonesIV) January 26, 2020
I AM SICK RIGHT NOW!!! I CANT EVEN EXPRESS IT...SO HEARTBROKEN pic.twitter.com/U637drXTjl
Rest In Peace Black Mamba We love you Kobe
— ⚪️ (@NathanGerry) January 26, 2020
R.I.P Kobe
— daeshon hall (@DaeshonHall) January 26, 2020
I remember this video putting a big smile on my face. Still can’t believe the news. Kobe was an inspiration to so many people around the WORLD! Prayers up to all the families involved R.I.P. https://t.co/nipVn342La
— Kyle Lauletta (@kylelauletta) January 26, 2020