Brief Thoughts on the Loss of a Legend

Yesterday, after the unthinkable tragedy in Calabasas, time seemed to stop.

Around the world, people were subjected to scrolling up and down their Twitter feed in search of any hope that the news wasn't true. The loss of Kobe Bryant not only creates a void in the world of basketball, but it has created a void in the soul of millions of people.

Eight other lives were lost in the helicopter crash, including Kobe's 13 year old daughter and protégé Gianna and two of her teammates, which made the news even that more impossible to bear. There is no way to wrap one's head, or heart, around an event this profoundly sad. Even more than 24 hours later, it doesn't seem real. And it will never seem fair, because it isn't. But the true pain comes from knowing how much was taken away from Kobe, Gianna, and the seven other victims. There was so much in store for their futures. Kobe Bryant predicated his entire life of being the best at whatever he set his mind to, and he had just begun to set an example on what it meant to be the best father. He had so much left to give to his family, the game of basketball, the business world, the world of cinema... the list goes on and on.

The sudden death of such an iconic player and person has sucked the air out of the world and it's going to sting forever. But the immensity of Kobe's death is a reflection of the immensity of his life. Kobe was truly larger than life. He pushed limits in himself that were inconceivable to others. He pushed others he knew past limits that were inconceivable to themselves. He pushed millions he never knew past limits in their lives through the example he set as an athlete, father, husband, coach, man, etc.

I was born in 1997, one year after Kobe was drafted. Those who know me know that basketball has always been a big part of my life. My father Bill raised me in basketball gyms across the state of Illinois and as a reporter, teacher and coach, he helped instill life lessons in me through the lens of the game of basketball. What I learned through the game of basketball helped me make sense of things that were going on in my life. More importantly, the game helped me make sense of who I was and contributed to me growing as a man. Although my playing career ended in high school, basketball remained a huge part of my life because I carried the values I learned through the game with me. Coming full circle and becoming a manager for my cousin Richie's final season at Benedictine Mesa was something that meant so much to me personally. I was able to return to the game I loved.

The two reasons I give this brief story on my love for the game is because

1. No one had a deeper appreciation or love for the game of basketball than Kobe, so I tell my story in honor of him.

2. There are so many people in my generation that have similar stories, or any story, as to why they fell in love with the game. Being from Peoria, Illinois, I saw the game of basketball shape people's lives and offer them hope in the most hopeless of situations. The values learned on the court and as a part of a team shape who so many of us become. Whether you have a deep love for the game or you have never held a basketball, those values are present in your life through someone you know.

These "values" I'm referring to include but are not limited to hard work, hustle, desire, will to win, patience, persistence, consistency, sacrifice. No player in my generation is tied to these values more than Kobe Bryant. The model of success and achievement for so many young adults today was set by Kobe. Kobe transcends beyond being one of the best players of all time because he was so much more to so many people. And he valued sharing his wisdom with others instead of keeping it to himself. All he wanted out of others - be it teammates, coaches, opponents, referees, fans, strangers - was that they bring their best and apply themselves. To explain how much that resonated with me is impossible to put into words.

There is something that is underlying beneath all of the values Kobe stood for as a player, father, and man. That something is unity. Kobe worked hard to unite his teams so they could play at a championship level. He worked tirelessly to unite the community of L.A. through his years as a Laker and in the years that followed. And in 41 years, he led a lifetime of work toward uniting the world under his core values. He knew that when you focused on being great in whatever you do, that greatness comes with an openness to any and all people willing to make that extra sacrifice as well.

Not every great achievement stems from someone saying to themselves, "Okay, I got this. Mamba mentality." But there's no telling just how many moments are created because somewhere along the line, Kobe instilled that work ethic into somebody.

A basketball example would be Kyrie Irving calling Kobe to thank him in the locker room after hitting the game-winning shot in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals that would eventually help bring a championship back to the city of Cleveland.

How about the example of Joe Burrow? Ohio State's third-string quarterback transfers to a stagnant offensive team in LSU and ends up leading them to a championship behind the best single-season performance by a college football player ever. What does he say helped him get to that point after so many bumps in the road? Mamba mentality.

The list of moments is endless and extends far beyond sports. Single mothers wake up with mamba mentality. Recovering addicts wake up with mamba mentality. Successful doctors and scientists wake up with mamba mentality. Students, employees, husbands, wives all wake up with mamba mentality. Kobe Bryant simply inspired an entire generation to believe that anything is possible if you're willing to work hard enough. His popularity around the globe speaks to how universal these values are and how impactful he was in passing these values in to others.

Although this pain will be felt by so many for so long, we must remember all Kobe stood for. As an athlete, he gave us memories on the court we'll never forget. He was truly one of the greats and pushed the game forward with such grace. As a father, he showed that no matter how much you devote yourself to your craft or work, you can equally devote yourself to family. And as a human being, he showed me and so many others what it takes to make it in this world. His relentlessness, his fire, his willingness to push others to be their best regardless of how it made him look... that's what will last forever. It's within us all, he showed us that. That is his legacy.

#RIP824 .