At first, Richard Sherman struggled to find words to reflect upon the passing of Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant, who died this weekend in helicopter accident.
In an Instagram post, Sherman was later able to explain that Bryant was a source of inspiration: “His actions gave me a blueprint to be great. A genuine human being this one hurts.” Bryant served as a friend and a provider of emotional support after Sherman tore his Achilles. Bryant, after all, had experience overcoming the injury on the later side of his career.
So on Super Bowl Opening Night on Monday, Sherman imagined what Bryant would be saying to him ahead of the big game: “He would tell me to man up and stop being a baby.”
Sherman reflected upon how Bryant inspired the cornerback to fight through the pain and walk off the field after he sustained the injury. And then, of course, Sherman’s amazing comeback ensued. There were doubters who didn’t believe Sherman, who was in his 30’s when he suffered the injury, could return to the top of his game. But that’s just what he’s done.
Apparently, he has Kobe to thank.
