“First thing I’d say is thank you” – Saquon Barkley recalls when his Kobe Bryant obsession began
On this day three years ago, on Jan. 26, 2020, the world lost an NBA superstar and great person in Kobe Bryant.
3 years ago today - we lost a legend 👑🐍
RIP Kobe Bryant
https://t.co/nQB1pG94Dx
The former LA Lakers shooting guard and his daughter Gianna tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on a foggy Sunday morning.
The loss was a shock not only to the sports world but to the entire world and it left the world grieving for some time, especially sports fans.
Since his death, many have talked about the legacy he left, how great of a basketball player and father/family man he was, and how inspirational he was.
In a segment posted by ESPN two years ago, athletes such as Jerry Rice, Russell Wilson, Zach Ertz and Saquon Barkley reflected on Bryant's legacy and the impact he had.
Barkley recalled his obsession for Kobe in the interview and said he would thank him if he could meet him.
Barkley said:
"If I could meet Kobe Bryant in person, first thing I would say is thank you. The thing that ignited my love for Kobe was his passion. You could see the passion in his face, you could see it when he would bite his jersey, you could see it when he hit the game-winning shot, and that stare he just gives to the stadium.
"Every morning you would shoot fadeaways at the trash can and yell 'Kobe' and that's kind of all where it started for me."
Saquon Barkley headlines a loaded free-agent running back class in 2023
Saquon Barkley had himself a Kobe-like season this past year. Although he and the Giants didn't win any championships, he bounced back from his worst season a year ago and set career-highs in carries and rushing yards.
In 2021-22, playing in 13 games, Barkely recorded an underwhelming 593 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns while averaging a career-low 3.7 yards per carry. He has rushed for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns this season.
In his career, he has three 1,000-plus yard seasons. He enters free agency as one of the top running backs on the open market. He reportedly turned down an offer from the Giants that's worth about $12 million a year and is looking for $16 million a year.
It'll be interesting to see what happens with Barkley in the offseason and how much he gets paid.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Saquon Barkley, ESPN, and H/T Sportskeeda.