For a generation of athletes, the shocking death of Kobe Bryant at the age of 41 leaves a massive void. Bryant was an inspiration to so many. Count Saquon Barkley as feeling as if a part of his athletic world has been ripped from him.
Barkley wrote “Mamba Mentality” on his cleats before practices and games, homage to the Lakers and NBA great, who challenged legions of players to “attack what’s in front of you with passion and purpose, without fear and doubt and without an ounce of quit.’’
Barkley, the star Giants running back, never met Bryant in person.