Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson and his wife Ciara have a special place in their hearts for the Bryant family. Recently, the Wilsons sent Natalie Bryant a bouquet to wish her well as she embarks on her third year of college.
A note was attached to the bouquet reading: “Nani, we hope you had the best first day of school. We are so proud of you as you enter your junior year. Rock it, girl. Go, Nani, Go! Love Uncle Russ and Aunt Ci.”
The bouquet is a kind gesture from Wilson and Ciara, as they still mourn the passing of Kobe and Gigi Bryant. What is Wilson’s connection with Bryant, and are the families related?
Is Russell Wilson Related to Kobe Bryant?
The Wilson and Bryant families are not blood relatives. The two families are close, close enough to the point that Natalie Bryant refers to Wilson and Ciara as uncle and aunt.
Green Bay's Za'Darius Smith says on ESPN telecast NFC players found out about Kobe Bryant shortly before kickoff and #Seahawks QB Russell Wilson led a prayer in the locker room "for his family.'' @SONTHoops pic.twitter.com/lxTyDOcZde
— Sports ON Tap Seattle (@SeattleONTap) January 26, 2020
Wilson and Bryant were close friends and admired one another in their respective sports, being at the top of their game. Wilson carries the memory of Bryant with him and strives to keep a strong relationship with Natalie and her mother, Vanessa Bryant.
ICYMI: Sabrina Ionescu pictured at Kobe Bryant's HOF introduction with Vanessa Bryant, Russell Wilson, Pau Gasol and others in his inner circle #ProDucks #SabrinaIoneSCO pic.twitter.com/ceQ9De34Wk
— Flock (@TheFlockIsHot) May 19, 2021
This bouquet is not the first time the Wilsons have sent a gift to the Bryant family. The Wilsons have sent a bouquet to Vanessa Bryant to honor Gigi’s birthday. One such card read: “Happy Birthday Gigi. Forever in our hearts, Love, The Wilsons.”
Athletes, Fans, and Family Members Continue To Honor Kobe and Gigi Bryant
It has been over three years since we lost Kobe and Gigi Bryant in a helicopter accident. The world still mourns their passing, and the impact Kobe had on professional athletes and fans alike is uncalculatable.
Russell Wilson is wearing a Kobe Bryant jersey while working the ESPN pregame show before the #SuperBowl pic.twitter.com/9xZNhyS1NL
— L.A. Times Sports (@latimessports) February 2, 2020
The Mamba mentality filters across all sports, as many athletes idolize Bryant’s fierce, competitive spirit and willingness to do whatever it takes to win. Many athletes pay homage to Bryant in several ways.
As athletes and fans honor Kobe’s passing, perhaps one of the best tributes is one Vanessa Bryant paid to her daughter Gigi. Vanessa narrated a video to show her love for her daughter.
“Dear Gianna, from the first time you imagined winning a WNBA championship, I knew one thing was real. You were special. You came from greatness, but it was never about what you inherited. It was about what you gave to others.
“When someone stands up for gender equality, I see you fighting alongside of them, and every time someone plays their hardest, I know that’s you on the court. Love you, always.”