In his lifetime, Kobe Bryant had touched many lives, leaving a deep impression on generations of athletes who still revere him. His “Mamba Mentality” has inspired many to adopt a similar way of thinking. After his sudden demise in January 2020, waves of tribute poured in, reflecting his larger-than-life influence not just in basketball but beyond. Players from across sports continue to pay homage to him. Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has made it a ritual even.
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In the game against the Washington Commanders today, Barkley wore “Mamba” earrings to pay tribute to his remarkable role model.
.@saquon rocking the Mamba earring! #TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/DYfbcTZAIq
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) November 15, 2024
The Eagles’ rusher also left a heart-warming mark on a young Philly fan that was also a reflection of how Kobe used to be with people. During his warm-ups, a young girl kept calling his name, shouting at the top of her voice. Hearing that Barkley turned around, and urged her to wait till he was done practicing.
True to his word, Barkley went to the stands and signed the young girl’s jersey, leaving her so emotional that she started sobbing.
Don’t watch if you don’t have tissues.
During Saquon Barkley’s warm ups, this young girl kept shouting his name. He turned around and said he would come over when he was done.
Here’s the moment @saquon pic.twitter.com/07lDYnEEUp
— Gabriella Galati (@ella_galati) November 15, 2024
Barkley has always been a devout fan of Bryant. A day after Kobe’s passing, he honored the NBA legend by writing “Mamba Mentality” on his cleats before practice and his game. He also wore Kobe’s iconic Lakers 2000 NBA Championship jacket as remembrance.
At the time, Barkley had read out a heartfelt letter to Bryant in a video on social media where he recited the poem, Ozymandias by Percy Bysshe Shelley. It was his way of expressing gratitude for Kobe’s inspiration, which pushed him to improve every day.
The two share roots in the same area of Philadelphia. Kobe, who was a lifelong Eagles fan, would be happy that Barkley joined the Birds and is dominating on the field. That, in itself, is a tribute to the legacy of Bryant.
And the biggest sign that Saquon is living up to the “Mamba Mentality” is the way he rushed for 146 yards and 2 TDs today, powering the Eagles to a 26-18 victory.
