Patrick Mahomes and NFL players pay homage to Willie Mays after MLB icon's death

On Tuesday night, the sports world was saddened by the death of MLB great Willie Mays at 93. He was a World Series champion and 24-time All-Star who left a major impact on the sport and to this day, he is still one of the greatest outfielders and baserunners the game has ever produced.

His death brought in tributes from across the sports world, including the three-time Super Bowl winner & NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes, who called him a 'true legend'.

​

"RIP to a true legend," Mahomes wrote.

Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III also sent his thoughts and prayers to the entire Mays family. The Heisman Trophy winner also added that Mays 'will never be forgotten'.

​

"Prayers up for the family, friends and loves ones of the Legendary Willie Mays who passed away today. Rest in Peace to the Say Hey Kid. You will never be forgotten."

Major League Baseball will honor Willie Mays on Thursday night during the first ever game played at Rickwood Field, the home of the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro League. It was the same field where Mays made his professional baseball debut in 1948.

Stephen A. Smith shared his tribute to Willie Mays

The tributes for MLB great Willie Mays continued to pour in on Wednesday morning. During ESPN's "First Take", Stephen A. Smith, Christopher "Mad Dog" Russo and Tim Kurkjian all spoke about the impact Mays had on the game, both on and off the field.

Stephen A. Smith spoke about what the outfielder experienced during his career as he broke color barriers and became one of the greatest to ever play the game.

​

"The discipline that he exercised on the vitriol, similar to what Jackie Robinson had experienced, was being thrown in his direction. And greatness, and composure, and class all shined through," Stephen A. Smith said.

Smith credited Mays for the way he handled the adversities with 'class' and 'composure'.

​