The loss of a sporting legend is hard to gulp down, especially when you have followed their journey while growing up. That was exactly what Kobe Bryant‘s loss did to Russell Wilson. “Forever in our hearts!” This was the caption of Russ’ Instagram post on the fourth anniversary of the fatal helicopter crash. Now, almost 8 months later, he has shown once again why he adores the Black Mamba.

On the 23rd of August, the sporting world united to remember Kobe on his birthday. He would have turned 46—gone too soon. Meanwhile, the Steelers QB uploaded an Instagram story with the caption, “Happy Bday Bean. Forever Legendary! Mamba Forever.” Sweet and simple enough to make anyone teary-eyed. But ‘Dangerusswilson’ did not need to do much on the story. The post he re-shared was enough.

Along with the caption, Russ had shared a carousel post from B/R [Bleacher Report], and trust us, it was nothing short of a touchdown in itself. The post’s caption read the same as well, but it was the snaps that were worth getting into. Right from his glory days with the Lakers, his off-court success at the Oscars, to his gold medal run at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the post had all the Lost Files only to be brought up again on ‘The’ Mamba Day.

But Wilson’s remembrance of KB24 did not end there. An hour later, he shared another post on his Instagram story, but this one was special. Why? Well, for starters, this post was all about the ‘Mamba Mentality’ and the quotes that reflected it. One of the quotes that Russ also shared read: “I would channel my failure as fuel to keep my competitive fire burning. It became an obsession.” This was an excerpt from Kobe Bryant’s “Zero” that he wrote for Player’s Tribune in 2014.

The other thing that makes it special is that Russell must find it relatable to his own situation, especially with the critiques coming from all angles. It makes sense, considering his connection to the Mamba Mentality. Rest assured, Russ is always staying true to that mindset!

Russell Wilson and Kobe Bryant: A brotherhood beyond the sports divide

It happens quite often that fans mistake Russell Wilson’s admiration for Kobe Bryant for kinship. But it’s actually their strong friendship that brings such a perspective about. Take August 2023, for instance, when Wilson and his wife, Ciara, sent a bouquet to Natalie Bryant, wishing her well as she started her junior year of college.

The note attached to the bouquet read: “Nani, we hope you had the best first day of school. We are so proud of you as you enter your junior year. Rock it, girl. Go, Nani, Go! Love Uncle Russ and Aunt Ci.” Clearly, these two are in the end zone of support!

Or when, on June 16th, 2024, on Father’s Day, Vanessa Bryant sent Russell a special package filled with Nike goodies in honor of the late NBA legend. Russ shared this on Instagram, showing off the gifts, including sneakers and a “girl dad” title, a tribute to Kobe’s legacy. It was a heartfelt gesture that showed the depth of their bond.

No, the two families are not blood relatives. Instead, Russell Wilson and Kobe Bryant were close friends, respecting each other in their field of expertise. There’s no comparison between the gridiron’s grit and the sharpness on-court. Both Byrant and Wilson knew that. And that’s what forged the basis of their bond, understanding, respect, and admiration.

Now, as Russ fights off the battles to shine in Pittsburgh, there’s a belief that he might see the bright side of it. Why? Wilson carries the memory of Bryant with him where he goes.

Love NFL stories? Then this one’s for you. Don’t miss our latest episode of the Dual Threat Show with BG12, where Chris Gronkowski took us behind the scenes of his NFL journey and spilled the tea on life as a Gronk!