All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner found a new home with the Los Angeles Rams.
He joined the defending Super Bowl champions after the Seattle Seahawks released him in March.
The former Utah State standout signed a five-year contract with the Rams worth up to $65 million not long after.
His tenacity and football intelligence will help the Rams in their quest to win another Super Bowl.
But even great athletes find inspiration to excel, and Wagner had the perfect model for their season opener against the Buffalo Bills.
.@Bwagz honored Kobe Bryant with these custom pads. 💛
(via @RamsNFL) pic.twitter.com/MvJ0FH5baC
— NFL (@NFL) September 14, 2022
The NFL tweeted, “@Bwagz honored Kobe Bryant with these custom pads.”
Meanwhile, the Rams’ official Twitter account shared the photo of Wagner wearing custom-made pads that don the image and likeness of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
The caption reads, “Mamba Mentality, always.”
The pad can be seen on Wagner’s thighs, showing Bryant’s surname and jersey number.
It’s the perfect icon to channel because Bryant is a legend in Los Angeles and around the world.
He played his entire 20-year career for the Lakers despite opportunities of getting traded elsewhere.
“The Black Mamba” helped the Lakers win five championships, including three straight from 2000 to 2002.
The legend from Lower Merion High School in Philadelphia is also a one-time MVP, a two-time Finals MVP, and an 18-time NBA-All Star.
He was also named to the All-NBA First Team 11 times.
Rams Need Mamba Mentality
The Rams will need to unleash their will to compete after a crushing loss to the Bills.
Buffalo pulled away in the second half, and the Rams had no answer on both sides of the ball.
Taking inspiration from Bryant should help them do better in Week 2 when they face the Atlanta Falcons.
After all, going down 0-2 is a shocking start for last year’s champions.
NEXT: Matthew Stafford Showed Too Much Regression In Week 1