“Changed the game, changed the world” – Russell Wilson’s touching Kobe Bryant tribute still holds true
On January 26, 2020, the world lost Kobe Bryant in a tragic helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. The Los Angeles Lakers legend's death was mourned by the world, with everyone from friends and family to fans struggling to deal with reality.
Russell Wilson, who then played for the Seattle Seahawks, didn't miss the opportunity to acknowledge Bryant and his contribution to the sports world.
"He changed the game. He changed the world. And he did it the right way," Wilson said.
He continued:
"There's only a few people in the world [of] sports that impact and influence the game the way that Kobe has. Despite him being gone, he hasn't left us."
For Wilson, there was one moment that stood out.
"It was a softball game. Kobe hit a long ball one time. He ran around the bases. Next time, he got on third base, and I was playing third at the time, and we did the hidden ball trick, and I snuck up behind, Kobe didn't know I had the ball. Tagged him , you know. 'Kobe, you're out.'"
Russell Wilson & Kobe Bryant. One of the coolest photos ever. It was in Seattle too. https://t.co/hMEetANizz
Wilson explained that he knew Kobe Bryant would want everyone to live by his Mamba Mentality, and he was going to do just that.
"I'm going to do everything I can to keep the Mamba Mentality going."
Russell Wilson didn't stop honoring Kobe Bryant's mentality
After the Seahawks NFC West championship win over the Los Angeles Rams, Wilson sported a Lakers jersey with Bryant's numbers on it. Wilson spoke about Bryant, but also his daughter Gianna (also called Gigi), who was in the helicopter with him.
"When I think about this year, the first thing that comes to mind is No. 8, No. 24, No. 2," Wilson said in an IG video. "Kobs, you were an inspiration to me growing up,” he continued. “You were an inspiration to me once I got in the NFL and was a pro."
He even spoke about Gigi, who will remain an inspiration to many girls.
The teenager was working toward her basketball dream to play in the WNBA.
“You know ,Gigi, you were an inspiration to so many girls," he said. "Kobe, you were a girl dad.”
While speaking to Yahoo! Sports, Wilson revealed that he wore the jersey because he was thinking about Bryant. It was a big matchup, and with everything going on, Wilson decided to honor the Lakers icon and his Mamba Mentality.