Kobe Bryant was my favorite athlete/icon. He was my big brother that I never had. I took everything he did and applied it to my athletic career. He was a hero to a lot of people around the world but I felt he was more than that. He was more than a favorite athlete, he was somebody I looked up too and wanted to be like him when I was 10 years old in 1996.

I watched him grow and watched him fall. The way he handled adversity, the way he approached life was different. He was mentally strong and had a passion drive like no other.

His daughter Gianna was only 13 years old. She had her whole life in front of her. His wife, his other children I feel so sorry for. The life of Kobe will be remembered as the Black Mamba basketball player. But I would like everyone to remember what he did after his career too.

My opinion Kobe Bryant is the best player I've saw. He's my GOAT, and that will never change. He gave me life when I was at my lowest. He gave my the imagination that I could do what he can do but in the football sport.

"Legends never die"