Getty Las Vegas Raiders QB Derek Carr.
As TMZ first reported on Sunday morning, NBA legend Kobe Bryant has died at the age of 41 in a helicopter crash.
With such a successful career on and off the court, Kobe inspired thousands of athletes. His inspiration transcended basketball as he inspired athletes across many sports. Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who was once called the “Kobe Bryant of the NFL” by Bleacher Report, has often cited Kobe has his chief inspiration. Carr could only react in disbelief to the news.
No way
Carr is a lifelong fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and the two became friendly over the years. There’s no doubt this one hurts for millions across the world. Carr will continue to represent that “Mamba Mentality” and honor Kobe for as long as he plays.
Kobe Inspired Carr’s Work Ethic
Anybody who grew up a Lakers fans worshipped Kobe. Carr was among those fans and credited Kobe back in 2018 as the reason he works so hard to be great:
“When I was young, I want to follow the most competitive person I could find. And so out of everyone I looked at, I thought that Kobe was the most competitive person out there. That’s why I began read, watch videos, interviews, documentaries, everything. And as I begin to watch him and learn… I watched work on the court and in practice then I would watch him playing the games and it inspired me. It instilled a work ethic in me that my dad taught me. And then watching Kobe showed me how to do it.”
Mamba mentality is not just a basketball thing 🐍 (via @raiders)
Kobe’s work ethic was the stuff of legend. While it may have rubbed some the wrong way, he wanted to be the greatest and he didn’t care what he had to do to make it happen. Kobe was also known to help other athletes and even reached out to Carr after he broke his leg in 2016.
Kobe also dealt with his fair share of injuries throughout his playing career, but he continued to persevere. Kobe’s words clearly meant a lot to Carr.
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Other Raiders React
Derek Carr was far from the only Raider who was inspired by Kobe’s greatness. Many younger players grew up watching him and it didn’t matter which sports they played.
Prayers out to his family I’m still in disbelief
The world will never be the same, he changed more than just basketball he changed lives! Mamba mentality forever! 2️⃣4️⃣
There’s no doubt about, Kobe was one of the most iconic humans in the world before his untimely death. He was often polarizing outside of Los Angeles, but nobody could deny his greatness. The five-time NBA champion retired as one of the greatest athletes in history and that will never change.
Not only was Kobe legendary on the court, but he also made an impact off of it. He’s an Academy Award winner and also helped many young players reach their full potential.
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Raiders’ Derek Carr in Disbelief Over the Death of Kobe Bryant