Nike Pays Tribute to Kobe Bryant With Surprise Advertisement (PHOTO)


It isn’t exactly Nike’s version of “The Return”, but yesterday the footwear and apparel giant took out a full-page advertisement in various newspapers to pay tribute to their fallen soldier, Kobe Bryant. There’s no word on whether the ad is the first in a full-fledged campaign, or merely a singular act of compassion. Kobe was both surprised and appreciative of the gesture, and as basketball fans, we certainly were too.

Here is the text of the advertisement:

You showed us that an 18-year-old could play with the best.

You showed us that a championship game, an exhibition game, and a charity event are all must-wins.

You showed us how to play chess while others played checkers.

You showed us how to hit game-winner after game-winner.

You showed us that an 81-point game is a real thing.

You showed us that gold still matters.

You showed us how to take an ice bath.

You showed us how to score 30 points in a quarter, twice.

You showed us the Mamba Face.

You showed us how to demand perfection and demand it from everyone.

You showed us how to put big-boy pants on.

You showed us that you were never out of it, ever.

You showed us how inspirational a pair of free throws could be.

Now, show us again.