Basketballs and hearts became heavy around the world on Sunday as we learned of the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and the seven other passengers aboard the helicopter that went down in Southern California. My love and support goes out to the families of all those on board. I can’t begin to imagine the pain an event like this brings.

In the NBA, the league Bryant had taken by storm out of high school two decades before, didn’t take long to begin paying their respects. Taking 24-second shot clock violations and eight-second half-court violations out of respect for both Bryant’s numbers with the Los Angeles Lakers, players lowered their heads, held back tears and stared up to the rafters in disbelief.

Older players shared their favorite locker room stories, their favorite on-court stories, somehow always mystically tied together by the atmosphere that Bryant brought with him. Younger players talked about the inspiration, the blueprint Bryant helped cement, the “Mamba mentality.”

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid tweeted his respects for Bryant, saying it was watching the Lakers guard play that helped get him interested in the game. Embiid is not alone, as an entire generation of young men and women, on and off the court, looked up to Bryant.

For me, basketball was the first sport I fell in love with. Coming in as a fan, with Michael Jordan two steps from his sunset ride on the Washington Wizards, Kobe was the future. Bryant didn’t disappoint, pouring in NBA titles and painting a face on the league for over a decade. You never had to be a Lakers fan to be wowed by the man.

After retirement, many worried how Bryant would adjust to life without the game he’d poured every bit of his heart and soul into for so long. Kobe seemed to be making the most of retirement, helping to share his knowledge of the game with his daughters. Kobe never seemed happier according to those closest with him.

I honestly didn’t realize the impact Bryant’s death would have on me when I first heard the news on Sunday. As sports fans, I believe it can often be difficult for us to admit the weight and importance our time with these teams and athletes has on us. We watch young men grow up, achieve their dreams. It’s interesting, in a way: they only seem real to us once their time on the court is up.

Bryant wasn’t a perfect person, but this moment isn’t about his mistakes or flaws. This is a moment of remembrance and thankfulness for the warmth this man brought so many around the world. From one of millions, thank you, Kobe. For everything.