Kobe played with a shoulder injury for several years in a row. Crazy motivation from the Black Mamba
Andrey Antson September 10, 2024, 13:00 Moscow time
Another story from the incredible biography of the legend.
There are many stories about Kobe Bryant’s incredible motivation. He is truly a unique figure not only in the NBA, but in the world of sports in general. However, the fact we are telling you about is one of the most surprising in his career.
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In January 2015, Kobe suffered a torn rotator cuff during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans. This injury was another challenge for the player, who had already suffered a torn Achilles tendon in 2013. However, as before, Bryant was determined to return to the court.
A rotator cuff tear is a serious injury that requires a long recovery. For many athletes, such an injury can mean the end of their career. But this is Kobe Bryant. And here’s what was truly shocking. After the operation, Kobe admitted that he played with a shoulder injury for several years.
Kobe Bryant after being injured in a game against the Pelicans
Photo: Stacy Revere/Getty Image
“Yes, I tore my rotator cuff. It’s funny, but it turns out that I’ve been playing with this injury for a long time. I just didn’t get an MRI because my shoulder strength was excellent in all tests. I thought everything was fine. I kept throwing and throwing, but it turned out that the partial tear gradually turned into a complete one. I’ve been suffering from shoulder pain for a long time. But we never tested it because my strength didn’t change.”
That’s who he is, Kobe Bryant, and that’s his incredible motivation. Are you hurt? Can you shoot? Then quit. Can you keep working? Work.
Kobe tried not to miss a single game. He managed to play in all 82 regular season games four times. He felt responsible for the fans and believed that he had to play in every game. These principles were formed in him as a child.
Kobe Bryant in 2001
Photo: Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
“I remember as a kid, I expected every basketball player to play in every game. It didn’t even occur to me that players might get tired or get injured. I just wanted to see them on set. It doesn’t matter if I’m sick. It doesn’t matter if I have a sprain. There might be kids in the stands who are inspired by me, just like I was inspired by basketball players of the past. That’s why I have to go out there and play.”
After the injury, Kobe had to go through a difficult rehabilitation course. He worked with the best physical therapists and trainers to get back into shape. And he succeeded: we saw that same farewell tour that lasted an entire season. Yes, the team did not have the opportunity to compete for titles, but for Kobe that season was very important. Both for him and for all of us, saying goodbye to a legend.
Thanks Kobe!
Bryant’s genius:
A game in which Kobe refrained from shooting. Bryant’s ingenious strategy on his way to the title
