Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson found out about the tragic death of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant in the locker room at Camping World Stadium Sunday, the same as all of the participants in the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl.
The two-time Pro Bowler did not get a chance to react to the news in real time as most of his teammates did, but took time with Lisa Salters of ESPN to express his condolences during his sideline interview from the all-star game.
“It’s — I don’t even really have words for it,” Watson said. “It’s heartbreaking, and for us to find in the locker room before we came out. A lot of guys were just very emotional.”
Watson says that he got a chance to know the Bryant, 41, during the regular season when the five-time NBA champion made his way to Houston recently.
“To be able to get to know Kobe a couple months ago,” said Watson. “He came down to Houston, and now he’s lost and his family. Prayers all to his family. It’s just terrible news.”
Watson finished the Pro Bowl completing 14-of-20 for 148 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. Watson’s passing yards were the third-highest in the game, and his completions were the second-highest with only Lamar Jackson’s 16 being higher.
