Inside The Vikings

Current, Former Vikings Players React to Kobe Bryant's Tragic Passing

Stefon Diggs, Kirk Cousins, and others took to social media to remember Bryant, while Everson Griffen honored him at the Pro Bowl.
Will Ragatz|
Current, Former Vikings Players React to Kobe Bryant's Tragic Passing
Current, Former Vikings Players React to Kobe Bryant's Tragic Passing

The entire sports world experienced an unexpected tidal wave of shock and grief on Sunday morning when news broke that NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among nine people killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, CA.

Bryant was known not just for his play on the court, where he won five NBA championships, but for being an outstanding father to his four girls. His "mamba mentality" work ethic and passion drove him to great success in basketball, but also translated into every other aspect of his life. Since retiring in 2016, he poured his heart into parenting and storytelling, even winning an Oscar for the short film "Dear Basketball."

Kobe was an icon. A larger-than-life figure. And a hero to so many people. That's what made his death almost unfathomable at first. I urge you to read some of SI's coverage of Bryant's life and legacy:

Among the millions of people who expressed their grief on social media on Sunday were numerous current and former Vikings.

Danielle Hunter said it didn't feel real at first, adding that the news really affected California native Eric Kendricks.

Despite the world being in shock, sports didn't stop. The NBA didn't cancel games, with many theorizing that the ultra-competitive Bryant would've wanted them to play. Players took the courts with tears in their eyes, and every team took either and 8 or 24-second violation to begin the game, representing Bryant's two jersey numbers.

The NFL had a game to play as well, with the Pro Bowl going on as scheduled. The news hung over the game like a dark cloud, but players did their best to pay tribute to Bryant. Everson Griffen was part of a group of players who celebrated a sack by mimicking Bryant's signature fadeaway jumper.

Rest in peace, Kobe and Gianna. And may the other seven people who lost their lives rest in peace as well. Our thoughts are with all of the families affected by this horrible tragedy.

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Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

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