As is the case across the entire world of sports, college football is reacting to the devastating news involving Kobe Bryant.
Sunday morning, Bryant was one of nine people killed -- initial reports had the number at five -- in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California, on his way to a travel basketball event. The former NBA superstar, who retired from the sport following the 2015-16 season, was 41.
Adding to the devastation, one of Bryant’s daughters, who was also a player on her father’s travel basketball team, 13-year-old Gianna Maria Bryant, was killed in the crash as well.
Kobe and Gianna are survived by wife/mother Vanessa and three daughters/sisters. The oldest is 17, the youngest will turn one in June.
In the hours after the heartbreaking news was confirmed, the world of college football mourned the passing of Kobe Bryant. Below is just a sampling.
#FightOnForever, Kobe Bryant.
— USC Trojans (@USC_Athletics) January 26, 2020
You inspired generations of Trojans and our city. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/t2BW9y0D37
Our deepest sympathies are with the Bryant family and the familes of the passengers during this difficult time.
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) January 27, 2020
Rest easy, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/bf4Hp2GT6t
“I'll do whatever it takes to win games, whether it's sitting on a bench waving a towel, handing a cup of water to a teammate, or hitting the game-winning shot.”
— San José State Football (@SanJoseStateFB) January 26, 2020
A legend. RIP.#MambaMentality pic.twitter.com/iQAKHWHbHA
Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/k7505l2ot0
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) January 26, 2020
Today, the sporting world lost a legend. RIP to one of the greats. #RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/skgP7iNfTP
— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) January 27, 2020
God Bless Kobe & his family...one of the great competitors ever...life is short & precious...hug your loved ones-#Respect #Mamba
— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) January 26, 2020
Speechless when a tragedy like this happens...My heartfelt sympathy to the Bryant family and all those involved in this horrific accident. 🙏🏽
— Herm Edwards (@HermEdwards) January 26, 2020
Prayers go out to the Bryant family and all those affected by today’s tragedy. One of the greatest competitors ever. Kobe is leaving quite the legacy both on and off the court #8 #24
— Coach Kirby Smart (@KirbySmartUGA) January 27, 2020
The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do. -Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/LogBhSfmYC
— Justin Fuente (@CoachFuente) January 27, 2020
A Purpose Driven life is what Kobe Bryant gave us. His accolades are many and his impact will continue to be felt for decades to come. You have always been a 💫 and we will miss you. #MambaForever Our thoughts & prayers are with the families of those lost pic.twitter.com/vOyH8nhbv0
— Derek Mason (@CoachDerekMason) January 27, 2020
The opportunity to meet the Mamba was a blessing but the true blessing was the words he spoke! One to inspire greatness in everyone and instill belief in yourself through determination and hard work! 24 You will forever live on your legacy will never die! 🙏🏽 Bryant Family pic.twitter.com/PQI2X94UNP
— Josh Gattis (@Coach_Gattis) January 26, 2020
The world has lost one of the greatest to ever strap them up and take to the hardwood floor. You will be missed Black Mamba. May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family.
— Bo Jackson (@BoJackson) January 26, 2020
Some of My fondest memories of sports growing up were watching Kobe take over games with my dad. Modeled my mentality after him. Thanks for that Kobe. https://t.co/yRbe7mjYCH
— Joey Burrow (@JoeyB) January 26, 2020