Tom Brady has paid tribute to Kobe Bryant in subtle ways since the NBA legend died in a helicopter crash last month, but Brady decided to wait until after Monday’s memorial service to share some more in-depth thoughts about the tragedy.
Brady issued a lengthy statement on social media Tuesday morning, with the quarterback saying he has been “deeply affected” by the death of Kobe, Kobe’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna, and the seven others who died in the helicopter accident. Brady tried to put into words why the tragedy has “kept me up at night and brought me so many tears.”
— Tom Brady (@TomBrady) February 25, 2020
“Kobe didn’t care whether you were a man or woman, boy or girl, black or white, rich or poor, ordinary or extraordinary, he wanted to help you become the best that you could be,” Brady wrote. “His mere presence had an effect on everybody he was around. He had the energy to recognize in others what they could not recognize in themselves. I think that’s why I will miss him most. Because we all know the world needs more of that leadership and positivity.”
The memorial service that was held at Staples Center on Tuesday featured a wide array of touching moments that brought both laughter and tears for thousands of people. Kobe’s wife Vanessa delivered an emotional speech about her late husband and daughter, and Shaq provided a brief moment of much-needed comic relief.
Kobe had the rare ability to inspire athletes from all different sports, and Brady was clearly among the many legends who admired him.
