In an Instagram post shared Monday and titled Whats Really Important , the 6-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback grieved about the tragedy and how deeply this affected him. Ive witnessed the well-deserved outpouring of love and support for the families that had so much left to give, he wrote. And in this tragedy, Ive learned so much. Why has it kept me up at night and brought me so many tears?

Accompanying the post with a photo of Kobe and his daughter sitting courtside at a basketball game, Brady also gave his own insight into just who the man known as "The Black Mamba" was during his time as a world-renowned player. What you see is what it iswe arent actors. We have found a real life stage where we become vulnerable to the world and are judged based on the outcome of each performance. And we care deeply about what we do.

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In the most touching section of the post (cue the tears), Brady took the time to celebrate the type of man the former Laker was, and the integrity he held when he was off the court. For some, these days are the pinnacle of their lifeand theres nothing wrong with that. But its clear to me, for Kobe, that was how he lived his life in every way.

Kobe didnt care whether you were a man or woman, boy or girl, black or white, rich or poor, ordinary or extraordinary, Brady continued. He wanted to help you become the best you could be. His mere presence had an effect on everybody he was around.

He had the energy to recognize in others what they could not recognize in themselves.

The men were somewhat parallel in their respective sports, each playing for a total of 20 seasons. While Bryant was on the Los Angeles Lakers, he helped lead his team to five NBA championships. Whether Brady decides to return for a 21st seasonand for which teamremains to be seen.

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