NFL players reacted with more shock than NBA over Kobe news
Thursday began for Kobe Bryant with apparent good news — despite missing most of the season recovering from an Achilles injury, he has the No. 2-selling jersey in the NBA.
And with Christmas just around the corner, it made sense that the king of Christmas hoops would still be a highly desired gift.
Then the basketball world was reminded that no one's immune from a lump of coal, not even Showtime and Mamba.
For his part, Kobe vowed to remain undeterred, despite another injury setback.
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) December 19, 2013
And some other stars in the league wished him well and lamented the loss for the league.
Yo @kobebryant #Mamba get well soon homie!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) December 20, 2013
And his Lakers teammates also wished him a speedy recovery, but pledged to continue to fight on without their star.
Tough news today about @kobebryant injury. Despite the multiple injuries we have suffered as a team, we will keep fighting. #MambaGetWell
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) December 20, 2013
Even amongst our injuries, there are countless blessings in our lives. Prayin for my dawgs @SteveNash @SteveBlake5 @kobebryant @JrFarmar #LA
— Xavier Henry (@XavierHenry) December 19, 2013
And there was this, yet another reminder of Kobe's popularity.
And a reminder of how human he is.
“@ball709: @KBergCBS Kobe is the kind of guy that just don't go away”. Sorry, but EVERYONE goes away at some point!
— Steve Kerr (@SteveKerrTNT) December 19, 2013
But perhaps nowhere will Bryant's absence be felt more than . . . the NFL? Look how many people from the world of football gave shout-outs to Bryant.
“@kobebryant: #BrokenNotBeaten” Bounce back sir like u always do? #awesomeness
— brandon spikes (@BrandonSpikes55) December 19, 2013
Get better soon brotha! RT @kobebryant: #BrokenNotBeaten
— Donte' Stallworth (@DonteStallworth) December 20, 2013
Hoping fellow @nike guy @kobebryant heals up soon!
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) December 20, 2013
Kobe hurt again?? Hoping for a speedy recovery ! #lakeshow
— Jerry Rice (@JerryRice) December 19, 2013
Sorry to hear about @kobebryant's leg fracture. Best wishes for a very quick recovery
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) December 19, 2013
Praying for my man @kobebryant just awful luck!
— Matt Leinart (@MattLeinartQB) December 19, 2013