Robert Kraft was just miles away from Kobe Bryant when the Los Angeles Lakers legend was killed in a helicopter crash Sunday.
The New England Patriots owner was in Los Angeles to attend the 2020 GRAMMY Awards at the Staples Center, which Bryant called home for 20 NBA seasons.
Shortly after news broke that Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others died in a helicopter crash near Calabasas, Calif., Kraft offered his thoughts from the red carpet of the GRAMMYs.
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"I'm just shocked," Kraft told CBS-2 in Los Angeles. "It makes us all realize how we can’t take anything for granted. Make sure you give a special hug and kiss to everyone who's dear to you.
"Seeing his beautiful little beloved daughter, (who) is 13, and I know the pride he took in her. Here we are at Kobe’s home in the Staples Center. I had a chance to see him in one of his last games here and he was such a gentleman and great competitor."
Kraft shared a moment with Bryant after that game and in 2018 invited the Lakers star to the Patriots' organized team activities.
Kraft said he received texts and emails from roughly 50 people in the wake of Bryant's death, which prompted the Patriots owner to share a moment of reflection.
"For those of us who are privileged to wake up every day in good health and you have good family around you: Make sure you give them a special hug and kiss today," Kraft said.
New England Patriots
" ... Everyone should just step back and think and count their blessings."
Several of Kraft's Patriots players, including quarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Julian Edelman, shared similar sentiments on social media after Bryant's death.