Panthers players react to Kobe Bryant’s death on Twitter

The 2020 Pro Bowl is underway down in Orlando. It’s tough to focus on football though given the news that Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash, according to a report by TMZ. Bryant was 41 years old.

Bryant was one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Over the course of a sensational 20-year career, Kobe played in 1,346 games (all with the Lakers), tallying 33,643 points. Until last night when LeBron James passed him, it was the third-highest mark in NBA history.

In fact, in Bryant’s last social media post, he shared a classy congratulations message for James.

Continuing to move the game forward @KingJames. Much respect my brother 💪🏾 #33644

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 26, 2020

For an entire generation of athletes, Bryant was a big deal. He was a two-time Olympic gold medalist, an 18-time All Star, a five-time NBA champion and an MVP.

Panthers players are as stunned as anybody. Their reactions are ranging from shock to sadness to disbelief. Here’s what they’re saying on Twitter.

S Eric Reid

I don’t want to believe it. I can’t imagine what his family is going through. RIP Kobe

— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) January 26, 2020

LB Bruce Irvin

I was on a delta flight yesterday and right before we took off our engine blew and I thought to myself damn glad we weren’t in the air! Life is short! RIP KOBE GOD BLESS YOU and YOUR FAMILY!!! 😞😞

— Bruce Irvin (@BIrvin_WVU11) January 26, 2020

S Tre Boston

No Way!!!! This Can’t Be Real! Not Mamba! 🤯🤯🤯

— Tre Boston (@TreBos10) January 26, 2020

DT Kyle Love

Don’t want to believe this news

— mrkylelove (@mrkylelove) January 26, 2020

Former RB Jonathan Stewart

this hurts!!!!!!

— Jonathan Stewart (@Jonathanstewar1) January 26, 2020

kobe bryant showed us all how to approach and accomplish any goal set ahead of us! His focus and determination to dominate the task that was in front of him is something we all should imitate! gone to soon #MambaMentality

— Jonathan Stewart (@Jonathanstewar1) January 26, 2020

LB Jermaine Carter

Damn this crazy I woke up this morning watched the Kobe interview w/ Matt Barnes & Stephen Jackson…Who would’ve thought. RIP to the legend and everyone else on board smh.🙏🏽

— Jermaine Carter Jr. (@JERMA1NECARTER) January 26, 2020

OT Dennis Daley

Bruh 😭 no way https://t.co/iAW0bdHlMb

— Crank954 🇯🇲☝🏾 (@DennisDaley74) January 26, 2020

Former WR Torrey Smith

I turned 31 today and I’ve been thinking about life and how sudden things can come to an end. You don’t know how, you don’t know when, you just know it’s inevitable. When you get older you appreciate it because it’s a blessing to make it another year. Live life to the fullest.

— Torrey Smith (@TorreySmithWR) January 26, 2020

This is a sad day for the sports world. We offer our thoughts and prayers for Bryant’s family.