Myles Garrett reflects on being 'big Kobe fan,' Bryant's influence on him

Bryant has had an influence on a lot of athletes and teams, including the Rams. Sean McVay has installed “Mamba periods” in practice, ramping up the competition for specific drills as a tribute to Bryant.

Garrett grew up a big fan of Bryant, and says Kobe influenced the way he not only plays, but the way he lives his life. Garrett showed love to Bryant after throwing out the first pitch at the Dodgers game on Saturday night, wearing a shirt of Bryant in a Dodgers hat.

“Big Kobe fan. I used to wear the short fro just like Kobe,” Garrett said. “You know, that love has been there ever since. I had a lot of respect for it, the way he goes about his business. Obviously, Mamba Mentality. But just the way he treated every single game, every single second he was out there, he never took it for granted. I’ve kind of treated my career and life the same way.”

Newest #Ramshouse DE Myles Garrett shows love & respect to the late Kobe Bryant at Dodger Stadium pic.twitter.com/Vxmd078qlb

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— Nick Hamilton (@NickHamilton213) June 7, 2026

Garrett’s first pitch had some gas, tossing a strike at Dodger Stadium. Take a look at his heater (and shirt) below.

Welcome to LA, Myles! #RamsHousepic.twitter.com/wHBvMyaINe

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 7, 2026

Garrett is already acclimating himself to the City of Angels, and he’ll become an even bigger star once he takes the field for the first time as a member of the Rams this September.

This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams star Myles Garrett reflects on Kobe Bryant’s influence on him