There is no question that Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball. More than that, however, Bryant is also one of the most iconic figures in sports culture.
It has been five years since Bryant died in a tragic helicopter crash, but his influence continues to transcend sport. As the Eagles are just two wins away from the second Super Bowl win in franchise history, Bryant’s impact remains on full display.
While countless NFL players draw inspiration from Bryant, things hit differently with the Eagles. Bryant was born in Philadelphia and rose to prominence as a prep basketball star in the City of Brotherly Love. And as with many Philadelphians, Bryant’s love for the Birds knew no bounds.
Here’s how Bryant’s connections with his favorite NFL franchise are among the many ways his legacy lives on.
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Where is Kobe Bryant from?
Bryant was born in Philadelphia on Aug. 23, 1978.
At the age of six, Bryant moved to Italy with his family, but they returned to Philadelphia when he was 13. He attended eighth grade and high school in the Lower Merion Township, part of the Philadelphia Main Line.
Why did Kobe Bryant address Eagles in 2017 before Super Bowl run?
Given his stature as an all-time great, Bryant was much more than the typical fan of a sports franchise. As such, he was able to have a hands-on impact on his favorite sports team.
Ahead of the Eagles’ Week 10 meeting with the Rams in Los Angeles, Bryant took an opportunity to address the team. He told NBC Sports Philadelphia’s John Clark that the team had a “special” character.
Kobe Bryant after speaking to #Eagles🦅told me they’re special
“I think the character of this team is special. And thats what wins championships. When the spirit of the team is a strong one, its a collective one, then you have something thats really special.🤞🏾Fingers crossed”💯 pic.twitter.com/HUfNC4jy4h
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) December 9, 2017
Bryant’s words were unsurprisingly prescient. Philadelphia went on to defeat L.A., 41-35, en route to a 13-3 finish to the season and the NFC’s No. 1 seed. The Eagles then defeated the Falcons, Vikings and Patriots to take home the Lombardi Trophy.
As Bryant said, teams with special character win championships. That is exactly what the Eagles did.
Kobe Bryant celebrates Eagles’ Super Bowl victory
While he scored over 33,000 points and won five NBA titles during his playing career, Bryant was just like any other fan when it came to his NFL team.
During the final moments of Super Bowl 52, his wife, Vanessa, captured the range of emotions he displayed.
“Oh my God, we won the f—ing Super Bowl,” a visibly shocked Bryant said while holding his infant daughter. While a much different type of euphoria, Bryant’s reaction and celebration was unlike any type of celebration he displayed during his playing career with the Lakers.
He later explained that shock as a “numb feeling.”
Kobe Bryant reflecting on the Eagles winning Super Bowl LII. 🕊 pic.twitter.com/KdLGEFnjw9
— O.J. Spivey (@OJPhilly) January 26, 2023
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Why did Darius Slay wear No. 24?
While he now wears No. 2, Slay’s first numeric choice in Philadelphia was No. 24. Slay was traded to the Eagles months after Bryant’s death and made it clear that the jersey choice was in honor of the fallen legend.
“I’m going Kobe mode, man — Black Mamba, baby,” Slay said during an Instagram Live. “Rest in peace to the goat, man. One of my favorite players.”
Eagles CB Darius Slay says he will wear 24 with Eagles to honor Kobe Bryant. He is thrilled to join Eagles knowing it was Kobe’s favorite team
“I’m going Kobe mode. Black mamba. Rest in peace to the 🐐 One of my favorite players. I will look good in 24”
🎥 @_bigplayslay23 pic.twitter.com/d6Pmi14WUI
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 22, 2020
In line with members of Philadelphia’s secondary honoring Bryant, safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson opted to wear No. 8 during his second stint with the franchise as an homage to Bryant.
Saquon Barkley’s tribute to Kobe Bryant
Barkley has drawn inspiration and motivation from Bryant. Throughout Barkley’s journey to becoming one of the greatest backs in the NFL, he has often credited Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality.”
In 2019, Barkley penned an open letter to Bryant, which, in part, read “I write your phrase ‘Mamba Mentality’ on my cleats before practices and games because I know that attitude is what it takes to be special.”
As a member of the Eagles, Barkley often plays while wearing a dangling earring that features Bryant’s sheath logo.
Eagles install mural to honor late Kobe Bryant
Months after Bryant’s death, the Eagles installed a mural of his likeness in their practice facility.
The mural features Kobe’s 10 rules, which include the instructions to “Get better every day,” “Learn from wins. and losses,” and “Learn storytelling.”
The #Eagles installed this mural in their facility to honor the late Kobe Bryant. 🙏
(🎥: @LeagueAlerts)
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) July 27, 2020
Why did Michael Vick swap jerseys with Kobe Bryant?
After Kobe’s death, many prominent athletes spoke about their relationship with him. Among them is Michael Vick, who started at quarterback for the Eagles for 42 games between 2009 and 2013.
As a highlight of their relationship, Vick drew inspiration from a conversation with Bryant that culminated with a jersey swap.
Kobe Bryant was a Philadelphia Eagles fan and met Michael Vick in 2010 after Vick won NFL Comeback Player of the Year. They exchanged jerseys and Kobe wore Vick’s jersey a few times after Sunday games during the NFL season. “Kobe once told me to be great,” Vick said. “It stuck.” pic.twitter.com/AOOp7LDoq0
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) January 28, 2020
The legacy of Kobe Bryant’s Eagles hat
In one of Bryant’s final public appearances, he attended a Mavericks-Lakers game with his daughter, Gianna. Seated courtside, Bryant wore black pants, an orange WNBA hoodie and a green Eagles beanie.
Bryant and his daughter, who also perished in the 2020 helicopter crash, are honored with a statue outside of Crypto.com Arena. The statue, which is adorned with angel wings, is very detailed and includes Bryant’s Eagles cap.
The statue that was unveiled of Kobe Bryant and Gigi Bryant outside the Lakers arena, features Kobe wearing an Eagles knit cap❤️ pic.twitter.com/JsgIvrXX7r
— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) August 3, 2024
The moment also inspired Nike’s 2024 release of the Zoom Kobe 4 Protro “Girl Dad.” The shoe features an orange insole inspired by Bryant’s hoodie while the majority of the sneaker is an unmistakable “Bicoastal” green that matches the Eagles’ uniforms.
Vanessa Bryant and Nike confirm: the Kobe 4 “Girl Dad” is inspired Kobe’s Eagles beanie and WNBA hoodie from this heartwarming photo.
This was the last known public appearance by Kobe and Gigi before their tragic passing on January 26th, 2020. pic.twitter.com/QF2HusKsum
— Sneaker News (@SneakerNews) May 31, 2024
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