Kobe Bryant’s Raw Facebook Post After Achilles Injury Still Inspires Years Later

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The deeper nature of Kobe’s work ethic and mindset continues to inspire people even after his untimely demise, showing that this post from April 13, 2013, resurfacing could be proof of that. This post was shared by Chris Williamson of The Running Effect alongside footage of Bryant gibberishly rambling right after damaging his Achilles while playing a game against the Golden State Warriors. I think the injury bastardized the career of perhaps the fiercest competitive force the sport has ever seen.

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In the late-hour post steeped in emotion, Bryant unleashed his ire regarding the injury putting an end to his career at the tender age of 34. “This is such BS, all the training and sacrifice just flew out of the window with one step that I’ve done millions of times,” Bryant wrote. “The frustration is unbearable, the anger is rage.” The Black Mamba went further to ask: “Will I be able to get back? I have no clue. Maybe this is how my book ends. Maybe for the time has defeated me. Then again, maybe not.”

The epitome of the undying spirit was in his “…If you see me in a fight with a bear, pray for the bear” adage. Bryant did come back from his injury, however, playing three very hard seasons afterward. In 2016, Bryant put away his career with a 60-point masterpiece on April 13, exactly three years to the day from his Achilles romp.

The resurgence of a post triggered a backlash rooting in Bryant’s mindset. Others said, “His work ethic is inspiring,” and “That mindset is what made him a legend!” Many were also enchanted by the poetic symmetry of Bryant’s 60-point farewell exactly three years to the day after what might have been a career-ending injury.

Several other commentators shared their experiences that were inspired by Bryant in some challenging times. Another person recovering from surgery on his hip said: “I pray and hope I’ll get back stronger than ever!” Another one said, Winner and losers both fail; the only question is how long it takes to get back up.” The embodiment of Bryant’s philosophy.

The post then inspired further reflections on Bryant’s peculiar ability to lay himself bare in vulnerability and at the same time combative. “He ranted because his taxes were due,” one post said in jest, merging April 13 (the date of his infamous rant) with tax day in the US. However, the bulk of comments focused on the inspirational aspect, with one chiming in, “Most people have no idea what facing adversity actually looks like.”

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Bryant’s initial doubt and frustrations revealed so plainly made his comeback all the more powerful, as one commenter noted, “Taught winners how to think. Taught thinkers how to win.” This resurgence of the post is a timeless tribute to the complicated legacy of Bryant: raw emotion, rich philosophy, and stubborn determination, serving as a fountain of inspiration to athletes and non-athletes alike, several years after his demise.