Honor Kobe — and Raise a Fist for All Our Hometown Sports Heroes

Growing up in the Bay, Beast Mode was my Mamba Mentality, and it made me who I am

Photo illustration

First and goal

With the recent tragic deaths of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna, I’ve been reflecting on the role of influential athletes in my life, beyond their performances on the court or the field. Although my brother and I traded cards for Kobe Bryant and emulated his moves on playgrounds during recess, I admit I never idolized him to the degree others did. Growing up in Northern California as I did, I never adopted his Mamba Mentality. But I had something similar.

I had Beast Mode.

For me, no player in sports history has more directly influenced my journey and no athlete’s game more authentically represents the heart of the Bay Area — specifically Oakland — than Marshawn Lynch. Marshawn is my Kobe. Our Kobe.

I’m not comparing these two men as equals, and I’m not trying to diminish Kobe’s legacy in any way; I honor his influence on many of my closest friends and in communities worldwide, especially L.A. His death is a reminder of the beautiful relationship between players and fans, and how their lives and careers often reflect our own.