KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As news of the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant continued to spread Sunday, Kansas Citians with ties to Bryant started to offer their condolences.
While en route to Super Bowl LIV in Miami, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took to Twitter in remembrance.
Man not Kobe... Prayers to his family and friends! #RIPMamba
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) January 26, 2020
Chiefs defensive lineman Frank Clark tweeted that Bryant was an idol.
If anybody know me I had one idol in this world.
— Frank Clark (@TheRealFrankC_) January 26, 2020
Chiefs starting safety Tyrann Mattieu also reacted once the team was in Miami.
Damn Kobe. You sparked the mind of every competitor. You made us all dig a lil deeper.
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) January 26, 2020
Former University of Kansas men’s basketball player Scot Pollard played against Bryant as a member of the Sacramento Kings.
“The rivalry we had between the Kings and the Lakers was one of the highlights of my career,” Pollard told 41 Action News reporter Jordan Betts. “I always enjoyed squaring off against one of the all time greats. I certainly respected his game and competitive spirit. He will definitely be missed.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson also expressed his condolences via Twitter.
The heartbreaking loss of Kobe Bryant and his daughter touches many of us. A reminder that we should live every day to the fullest. @FirstLadyTeresa and I pray for all of the victims’ families and friends, as we hold our loved ones a little tighter. https://t.co/wxWr8tdyoh
— Governor Mike Parson (@GovParsonMO) January 26, 2020
This is a developing story and will be updated.