Earlier this week, NFL quarterback Russell Wilson posted a heartwarming video tribute to the late Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, also known as Gigi. He thanked the former NBA star for inspiring him and many others around the world during his life.
In the video, Wilson walked into the vacant Lumen Field stadium while wearing Bryant’s iconic “Black Mamba” jersey and "Grinch" Nike sneakers, with classical music playing in the background. Wilson posted the impactful tribute two days after his team made it to the playoffs by securing the 2020 NFC West Title.
After a few moments of silence, the 32-year-old NFL star began talking about the tragic passing of Bryant and his daughter Gigi. On January 26, 2020, Bryant and his daughter were among the nine people that died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California.
"When I think about this year, the first thing that comes to mind is No. 8, No. 24, No. 2," Wilson said, referring to the jersey numbers Bryant wore throughout his career, and the number Gianna wore while playing at the Mamba Sports Academy.
"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, because I always watched how you did everything with grace, how you always worked hard at everything.”
Wilson revealed that he wore the jersey along with the "Grinch" sneakers to honor the late basketball star on that day. Vanessa Bryant, Kobe’s wife, sent him the shoes for a special occasion.
"Your family means a lot to my family," he said. "We love you all. For this game, we had to bring the Mamba Mentality."
As 2020 came to an end, Wilson said that the past 12 months were difficult. However, he remains optimistic about the future.
"This is what I really found out in 2020: Life is so much bigger than just this game," he said. "It comes down to our family, it comes down to our loved ones, it comes down to grace, it comes down to how we treat each and how we love one another."
Wilson added, "The one thing that I've found out and really understood in 2020 is just that nothing's promised. Nothing's promised. The good thing is, there is hope. Hope lies in god, it lies in our faith, it lies in a new day."