Kobe Bryant famously said “I have nothing in common with lazy people who blame others for their lack of success. Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.” That’s the kind of intensity which brought him 5 NBA Championships.

Kobe Bryant is among the greatest players to have ever graced the sport. His incredible determination and discipline made him a beast on the court. A game against Kobe would always have his opposition sweating.

Being the best in the world never comes easy. It doesn’t come from sitting back. The winners always have a mentality different from the losers. That’s how Kobe was too. Ryan Blaney, like millions, took inspiration from Kobe and was a big fan of the player.

Blaney once chanced to meet Bryant and he recalled, “He didn’t know much about racing or NASCAR. And I think he is going to come out to one [race] but he just like ripped my mind apart about, he picked my mind about how racing works. But he knew nothing about it. And I think it was cool to know how he thinks.”

“Like he can know very little about something but he’s going to pick your brain. And I almost felt like I was giving the wrong answers. Like he was just that intense about it. I know everything you’re asking me but I feel like you know more than I do. It’s really weird but it was cool to see his intensity. It carries over still from his basketball days. This is just his personality.”

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The short interaction goes on to show in clear terms, why Kobe was one of the best sportsmen in history. 

How did Ryan Blaney get to meet Kobe Bryant?

One rarely, if ever, gets to meet their hero in the flesh. If you do, you really want to make the most of it. Blaney was lucky enough to meet his.

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“I did, I met Kobe. So Body Armor is a sports drink, is a partner of mine. He is part owner of it. I got to meet him in Las Vegas and we had a big dinner. I gave him a fire suit of mine. So Body Armor is on my race car for a few races. So I gave him my suit and I told him he wouldn’t be able to fit in it. But that was like my gift to him. He sent me one of his books. He signed it. Just to talk to him for 15-20 minutes, was really cool,” said Blaney.

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Blaney had the dinner of his life that night. What would you gift your hero if you got a chance to meet them?