‘For him’ – NFL fans call for Kobe Bryant inspired Eagles to win Super Bowl as rare footage shows super-fan celebrating 2018 triumph
Sunday, January 26, marked five years since the heartbreaking death of Kobe Bryant.
The five-time NBA champion was among nine people -- including 13-year-old daughter Gianna -- who tragically died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California in 2020.
8
While Kobe is a Los Angeles Lakers legend, he has deep roots to Philadelphia having been born and grown up there.
His father, Joe, even played for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Bryant rose to prominence as a prep basketball star in the City of Brotherly Love and his ties to the city remained.
He was an Eagles super-fan, with a video of the late, great superstar at home gleefully watching the Eagles win their first Lombardi Trophy in 2018 recently doing the rounds on social media.
READ MORE NFL
It was shot by Bryant’s wife, Vanessa, and originally posted on her Instagram account.
The clip shows Kobe watching his beloved team triumph over Tom Brady’s New England Patriots while holding his daughter Bianka.
“Oh my god, yes, bro!” Bryant erupts as Brady’s last-gasp Hail Mary falls incomplete.
“We won the … Super Bowl! That’s it! That’s it! That’s it! We won the … Super Bowl!”
Most read in Basketball
Separate footage shows the legendary shooting guard wearing an Eagles jersey and saying to the camera: "Fly, Eagles, fly.
"On the road to victory. E-A-G-L-E-S. Eagles!"
8
8
8
Both clips resurfaced this week ahead of the Eagles' NFC Championship game clash with the Washington Commanders.
The Eagles won Sunday's contest 55-23, punching their ticket to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans next month against the three-peat-chasing Kansas City Chiefs.
"@Eagles do it for Kobe,"; one fan posted on X.
"For Kobe and Gianna," wrote another.
"Let's win it for Kobe," a third added.
Kobe was vocal about his love for the Eagles throughout his iconic career.
Before their victory in Super Bowl 52, he of the team: "I think the character of this team is special. And that's what wins championships. When the spirit of the team is a strong one, its a collective one, then you have something that's really special. Fingers crossed."
8
8
Kobe's 'Mamba Mentality' has also become a huge source of inspiration for the Eagles.
Bryant was known as 'The Black Mamba', with his 'Mamba Mentality' "all about focusing on the process and trusting in the hard work when it matters most."
“Every offseason, I look to guys like MJ and Kobe to analyze their approach,” Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said in August 2023. “It’s two different sports, but I work on improving my strengths and turning weaknesses into strengths.”
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has been known to show videos of Kobe in Philly's locker room before big games. The team also has a mural of his likeness in their practice facility.
The mural features Kobe's 10 rules, which include the instructions to "Get better every day," "Learn from wins. and losses," and "Learn storytelling."
Cornerback Darius Slay also used to wear the No. 24 because of Bryant.
"I'm going Kobe mode, man — Black Mamba, baby," Slay said during an Instagram Live. "Rest in peace to the goat, man. One of my favorite players."
Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has also publicly embraced Bryant’s ethos, writing “Mamba Mentality” on his cleats before practices and games.
The MVP finalist often plays while wearing a dangling earring that features Bryant's sheath logo.
Following Bryant’s passing, Barkley shared a tribute, saying, “I just hope to inspire others the way you inspired me.”
8
8
In one of Bryant's final public appearances, he attended a Mavericks-Lakers game with his daughter, Gianna. He sat courtside and rocked a green Eagles beanie, which is depicted on his statue outside of Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The Eagles will no doubt look to honor his enduring memory with a victory in Super Bowl LIX next month.
However, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are standing in the way of the Eagles' second world championship.
Read More on talkSPORT
They beat the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in Sunday's AFC Championship game, meaning they're now one win away from becoming the first team in NFL history to win three straight Super Bowls.
Super Bowl 59 goes down at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9.
Follow talkSPORT NFL on Facebook
for the latest breaking NFL news, exclusive video interviews, and the biggest talking points from around the league.
Our will also keep you across the very latest NFL news with exclusive access and our weekly 'Rundown' review show.
Topics