Alex Rodriguez drops powerful 2-word tribute to the late Kobe Bryant

Alex Rodriguez joined many as the world mourned the late Kobe Bryant's death in a tragic helicopter crash five years ago on January 26. Rodriguez, who considers the five-time NBA champion his role model, paid homage on social media on Sunday.

A-Rod posted a heartfelt black-and-white throwback photo featuring himself, Bryant and LA Dodgers minority owner Magic Johnson. The photo shared by Rodriguez appears to have been taken during a celebratory event at Dodger Stadium.

In the image, Bryant is wearing a Dodgers jersey, a nod to his strong connection with the city of LA. Rodriguez, dressed in a suit, stands alongside Bryant and Johnson.

A-Rod captioned the image with just two words:

"Mamba forever 🙏."

Widely known as the "Black Mamba," Bryant and his daughter Gigi died along with seven others in January 2020.

A-Rod's Instagram story

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Alex Rodriguez penned a heartfelt note hours after Kobe Bryant's death

The world was taken aback after learning about Kobe Bryant's death on Jan. 26, 2020. The accident occurred on a foggy Sunday morning as Kobe and Gianna were en route to the Mamba Sports Academy in Thousand Oaks, California.

The group was flying aboard Kobe’s private Sikorsky S-76B helicopter, which departed from John Wayne Airport in Orange County at around 9:06 a.m. At approximately 9:45 a.m., the helicopter crashed into a hillside in Calabasas, California. The impact caused a fire and all nine individuals on board were killed instantly.

Alex Rodriguez posted a heartfelt message on Instagram to pay his respects to the late NBA legend.

“My heart hurts so much right now. I still can’t wrap my head around this,” Rodriguez wrote. “How can it be?”

“I learned so much from Kobe Bryant,” Rodriguez wrote. “He was naturally gifted, but had a passion for basketball like no one else I’ve ever seen. His work ethic was impeccable and his stress on mastering the fundamentals is what elevated him to the player he was.

"I’ve never met anyone more focused with a myopic approach. He didn’t pursue approval, affirmation or adulation. He pursued excellence and process. He followed my career and would often call to help with my health, daily routine … and would even chime in about hitting techniques. He was a role model to me, and millions around the world.”

Rodriguez joins countless athletes, celebrities and fans who continue to honor Bryant's memory and influence.