Tom Brady: Kobe was 'the real-life superhero our world needs'

To Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant was a superhero.

The New England Patriots quarterback shared a reflective statement about Bryant on Tuesday, praising the Los Angeles Lakers legend's values on and off the court.

"The world we live in is teaching EVERYONE to fear, to worry, to shame, or to give up," Brady wrote in a five-paragraph message posted to Twitter. "And that's the opposite of what Kobe stood for. That's what made Kobe a real superhero. He spoke about mentality with such conviction, about the idea that if you truly believed in something you could achieve it. ... He pushed others to find that same confidence. He was the real-life superhero our world needs."

The six-time Super Bowl champion said he's been "deeply affected" by the deaths of Bryant, Bryant's daughter Gianna, and the seven other people killed in a Jan. 26 helicopter crash.

"I've witnessed the well-deserved outpouring of love and support for the families that had so much left to give, and it's helped me reflect and gain perspective," Brady wrote. "I know that love, peace, and joy will always endure."

Brady praised Bryant for his ability to motivate others.

"Kobe didn't care whether you were a man or woman, boy or girl, black or white, rich or poor, ordinary or extraordinary, he wanted to help you become the best you could be," Brady wrote. "His mere presence had an effect on everybody he was around."

Brady concluded: "If there is anything I have learned and been inspired by through this tragic event, it is this, SEIZE THE DAY. That's what Kobe always did, and that's what he wanted for us too."

Kobe and Gianna Bryant's memorial service took place Monday at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

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