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Several members of the Jaguars react to tragic news of Kobe and Gianna Bryant

By Ryan O'Bleness
Los Angeles Lakers v Phoenix Suns Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The sports world was rocked by the shocking and tragic news of one of the greatest athletes of all-time, former NBA player Kobe Bryant. Additionally, Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others were killed in a helicopter accident.

Undoubtedly, this news affected many people, including many former and current athletes, sports fans, those who knew Bryant and the victims personally, and those who did not, but grew up watching him.

That’s the thing about it. Kobe Bryant was a larger than life figure. A sports icon. A legend. A guy who was doing as much off the court with his philanthropic efforts over the past couple years as he did on it. You don’t expect somebody like that to die so young (41 years old). That’s why it is OK to feel sadness for the situation, for the families involved, feel pain, even if you’re not rich, famous or a personal friend.

Several Jaguars players and personnel members took to social media to react to the situation:

  • The official Twitter account of the Jacksonville Jaguars waited until 8:24 p.m. Eastern Standard Time to post its tribute, paying homage to both of Bryant’s professional numbers:
  • Tony Khan, senior vice president of football administration and technology, urges us to donate to a cause Kobe and Gianna were passionate about:
  • Jaguars wide receiver D.J. Chark, who scored a touchdown in the Pro Bowl, calls Bryant a legend:
  • Jaguars quarterback Josh Dobbs speaks on the way Bryant inspired people:
  • Jaguars offensive tackle Cam Robinson referring to Kobe “Bean” Bryant:
  • Jaguars punter Logan Cooke had this to say:
  • Jaguars tight end was also shocked by Bryant’s unexpected passing:
  • Fellow Jaguars tight end likely referring to the situation:
  • Jaguars offensive lineman Will Richardson feeling heartbroken:
  • Director of public relations for the Jaguars, Tad Dickman, also posted a message:

Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew also posted about Bryant on his Instagram story. Other current and former Jaguars players such as Dede Westbrook, Najee Goode, Jimmy Smith and Josh Scobee retweeted several messages about the tragedy as well. Others may have felt social media wasn’t the right place to speak on it, but it is clear the entire sports community is mourning the loss of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, as well as the other victims.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the families affected by this terrible tragedy.

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