Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant died in January 2020 in a tragic helicopter crash, but his spirit and legacy live on. He was a major inspiration and even a role model for several generations who grew up watching him play or at least caught a glimpse of him towards the end of his career.
This influence has extended to other sports, notably football. The Kansas City Chiefs, who are aiming for an unprecedented three-peat Super Bowl this season, recently acquired five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans after losing Rashee Rice for the season to a knee injury.
Hopkins had worn jersey No. 10 thus far in his 12-year NFL career. However, he will wear number 8 for the Chiefs in honor of Bryant.
“Kobe Bryant. One of my favorite athletes of all time. So I know if I’ve ever had the chance to wear No. 8, like when I chose No. 10. [Lionel] Messi was my favorite footballer, an outsider. He felt like me coming out of college. And Kobe, number 8 is a special number.
Hopkins’ numbers so far this year have been pedestrian, but most expect him to give superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes perhaps his most legitimate passing threat since the future Hall of Famer left. Fame Tyreek Hill in 2022.
The best way for Hopkins to honor the memory and legend of the Black Mamba is to bring another Vince Lombardi Trophy to the Chiefs organization. Bryant, obviously, knew something about winning world championships, as he brought five to the Lakers during his 20-year career.
This article was originally published on LeBron Wire: New Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins pays tribute to Kobe Bryant
