Chauncey Gardner-Johnson played for the Philadelphia Eagles back in 2022, helping them earn a spot in the Super Bowl after leading the NFL with six interceptions.
The defensive back then signed with the Detroit Lions last offseason after failing to come to terms on a contract with Philadelphia.
After playing in just three games this past season due to injury, Gardner-Johnson returned to the Eagles during NFL free agency this week.
It always seemed to be a match made in heaven. He put up his best season with the Eagles. They shared in a ton of success before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
The defensive back held an introductory press conference with media on Friday. In it, Gardner-Johnson noted that he’ll be switching to the No. 8 jersey. Why? As a way to pay tribute to late-great NBA legend Kobe Bryant.
“I’m here to win. I’m not here to lose. Kobe didn’t settle. He had the mentality to go out there and kill. In a good way,” Gardner-Johnson told reporters.
“I’m coming with the Mamba,” the veteran continued.
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Bryant was born in Philadelphia. He went to school at Lower Merion High School in the Philly suburb of Ardmore. Despite playing with the Los Angeles Lakers throughout his career, Bryant is everything Philadelphia.
The Hall of Famer won five NBA championships during his run with the Lakers.
Sadly, he passed away at the age of 41 back in January of 2020 after a helicopter he was riding in crashed in Southern California. Bryant’s daughter, Gianna, also died in the accident.
This is a great way for Gardner-Johnson to not only page homage to Bryant, but also to show his stuff to the city of Philadelphia upon his return.