Peyton Manning and Kobe Bryant walked away from their respective sports during the same year, with both considered among the best to play.
Not long after, they teamed up on Bryant’s steaming ESPN+ show “Detail,” which took viewers into the film room to see how players dissect performance.
After news of the former Lakers star and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna’s death reached Manning, the former Broncos quarterback released a statement expressing his grief.
“I am incredibly saddened by the tragic news of Kobe Bryantap passing,” the statement read. “I always appreciated Kobe’s talent, work-ethic and competitiveness. Most of all, I appreciated his friendship. He was a friend and we worked together recently on several projects.
"I always appreciated Kobe’s talent, work-ethic and competitiveness. Most of all, I appreciated his friendship."
Former Broncos QB Peyton Manning on Kobe Bryant's passing:
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos)
“I was honored to be asked by Kobe to be part of his ‘Detail’ show and really enjoyed our interactions over the years. We retired at the same time and had to make that transition together. I am so shocked and saddened. My prayers are with the Bryant family and the families of everyone involved. I will miss Kobe very much just like so many will. Itap just an incredibly sad day.”
Bryant, his daughter and seven others reportedly died in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday morning.
Like Manning, other Colorado athletes have reacted to the death of Bryant.
Kobe was an iconic athlete, basketball legend and one of the all-time great competitors in sports.
My prayers go out to the Bryant family and all the families of the other passengers who lost their lives today.— John Elway (@johnelway)
This is a loss for the entire world.
— Alex English (@AlexEnglish_2)
I remember Kobe coming to our 1st NBA/NBPA basketball camp for the best high school ballers.He arrived with his 2 sisters and Mother. At Princeton university full of confidence and courage. Even then he knew that he was the best player there. Ended up being the MVP
— Alex English (@AlexEnglish_2)
Kobe Bryant was an athlete who transcended his sport. talks with players on the loss of a legend.
— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV)
I can’t fathom this…RIP to my sports hero. I don’t want to believe this.
— Justin Simmons (@jsimms1119)
Heartbroken. The NBA family and the basketball world have lost a big giant, a father, husband and a legend of the game, Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna died today. RIP my brother!
— Dikembe Mutombo (@officialmutombo)
I always wanted to be like you. Praying for you and your family through these tough times. RIP mamba
— Nazem Kadri (@43_Kadri)
💔💔💔💔
— Mikaela Shiffrin (@MikaelaShiffrin)
Just landed in SF to the devastating Kobe news. Life is short Love each other! RIP
— Mark Schlereth (@markschlereth)
Love you Kobe !!! You meant so much to everyone ❤️. Will always be an inspiration!
— Monte Morris (@BigGameTae)
I'm at a loss for words.Many knew Kobe as a great athlete, he was. I knew him as a sweet, caring man who always took the time to say hi to me whenever we were somewhere together. He always looked you in the eye when talking,and seemed honestly interested when listening.
— Amy Van Dyken-Rouen (@amyvandyken)
Cherish the people you love. Do what makes you happy.
— lindsey vonn (@lindseyvonn)
"I always appreciated Kobe’s talent, work-ethic and competitiveness. Most of all, I appreciated his friendship."
Former Broncos QB Peyton Manning on Kobe Bryant's passing:
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos)
