With The First Pick
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2020 NFL Draft: Impact of Kobe Bryant transcends sport of basketball

By Cory Kinnan

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant looks up at the rafters at halftime as both his #8 and #24 Los Angeles Lakers jerseys are retired at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant looks up at the rafters at halftime as both his #8 and #24 Los Angeles Lakers jerseys are retired at Staples Center on December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images) /
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While the death of Kobe Bryant and his daughter have rattled the nation, his legacy will live on. Many 2020 NFL Draft prospects showed their appreciation.

The news of Kobe Bryant and his and his daughter’s tragic death has shocked and numbed the nation as many have lost a man who was more than a basketball player to them, but an icon. One of the best to ever play the sport of basketball transcended the sport he played and impacted the lives of many, including a sum of top 2020 NFL Draft prospects.

The 24 and 8 uniforms are a staple piece of apparel in the United States as those jerseys symbolize more than just a man, but the Mamba. Those purple and yellow jerseys are not added drip to a wardrobe, not a fashion statement, but a statement that the Mamba mentality was a way of life.

That Kobe Bryant Lakers’ jersey was actually the first one that top cornerback prospect Jeffrey Okudah of Ohio State owned. “First jersey I ever bought was Kobe Bryant’s… He inspired me in so many ways and I don’t even play basketball. Rest in Paradise” (via Twitter). What was it about the legendary basketball star that inspired so many outside the sport of basketball?

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Kobe embodied what it meant to commit to the daily grind, to the process that it takes to improve himself every single day. The Mamba mentality is a philosophy of mind over matter, that circumstance is temporary; a torn achilles is not a barrier to sinking two hard earned free throws, and age is not a reason not to drop 60 points in his final career game.

The Mamba mentality is one that those such as Oklahoma wide receiver CeeDee Lamb takes to his heart. In memory of Bryant, Lamb tweeted out “Mamba Mentality Forever… Rest Easy Legend” (via Twitter). The back-to-back Biletnikoff finalist displays the Mamba mentality on the gridiron for 60 minutes every week, and will be a first round pick as a result.

Bryant was fun for all, those courtside, those on the court with him, and those watching the Showtime Lakers from their living room. Among those who have memories of watching Kobe from his living room with his father is likely first overall pick Joe Burrow; he carries that Mamba mentality with him today as the aura of Kobe can be seen in the swagger of the Heisman winning quarterback.

"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.” (via Twitter)"

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While Kobe Bryant and his daughter may have tragically passed on, he has made an impact far beyond his legacy on the court. From yelling “Kobe!” every time you throw laundry into the hamper, to setting Bryant’s “mind over matter” philosophy as your own, the Mamba lives on forever.

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