Seahawks Mourn Passing of NBA Legend Kobe Bryant

The sports world lost an all-time great with the news of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year old daughter dying in a tragic helicopter accident on Sunday.

Corbin K. Smith | Jan 26, 2020

Seahawks Mourn Passing of NBA Legend Kobe Bryant /

The entire sports world is in a state of disbelief following the tragic news of the death of retired NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year old daughter Gianna Bryant.

While reports are still trickling in, Bryant and his daughter have been confirmed as two of the nine deceased passengers in a helicopter accident that occurred Sunday in Calabasas, California.

The legend's unexpected passing sent shock waves across the globe, with people from all walks of life paying tribute to Bryant's career and impact off the court. Immediately following the announcement of his death, several current and former Seahawks expressed their grief on social media.

Heartbroken and still in disbelief...Rest in Power to Kobe and Gianna. God please cover his wife and other daughters. Praying for strength for them in this tragic time. Hug your loved ones and tell them you love them. This life of ours is way too short 💔 pic.twitter.com/VoBrWoBxtn
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) January 26, 2020

I am truly hurt
— DeKaylin Metcalf (@dkm14) January 26, 2020

No😢😢
— Germain C. Ifedi (@GermainX1) January 26, 2020

Doesn’t even seem real or believable.. So sad
— Ugo Amadi (@UAmadi7_) January 26, 2020

What this can’t be real... Kobe Bryant
— Rashaad Penny (@pennyhendrixx) January 26, 2020

Never Take Life For Granted
R.I.P. Legend pic.twitter.com/dads2XUIDJ
— Doug Baldwin Jr 🌹 (@DougBaldwinJr) January 26, 2020

Per ESPN, after receiving the news in the locker room shortly before kickoff at the Pro Bowl in Orlando, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson gathered his NFC teammates to hold a moment of prayer for the Bryant family.

Bryant retired from the NBA following the 2016 season, finishing his career with a dazzling 60-point performance. Playing his entire 20-year career for the Lakers, he was an 18-time NBA All-Star, won five NBA Championships, and was named league MVP in 2007-08.

When he hung up his sneakers, Bryant ranked third in NBA history with 33,643 points and was passed by current Lakers star LeBron James on Saturday. He congratulated James for his accomplishment in what turned out to be the final tweet of his life.

Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020

Our thoughts and prayers to the entire Bryant family, the Lakers organization, and all of the families and friends impacted by this tragedy.

Published Jan 26, 2020

CORBIN K. SMITH

Graduating from Manchester College in 2012, Smith began his professional career as a high school Economics teacher in Indianapolis and launched his own NFL website covering the Seahawks as a hobby. After teaching and coaching high school football for five years, he transitioned to a full-time sports reporter in 2017, writing for USA Today's Seahawks Wire while continuing to produce the Legion of 12 podcast. He joined the Arena Group in August 2018 and also currently hosts the daily Locked On Seahawks podcast with Rob Rang and Nick Lee. Away from his coverage of the Seahawks and the NFL, Smith dabbles in standup comedy, is a heavy metal enthusiast and previously performed as lead vocalist for a metal band, and enjoys distance running and weight lifting. A habitual commuter, he resides with his wife Natalia in Colorado and spends extensive time reporting from his second residence in the Pacific Northwest.