Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Myles Garrett has identified Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant as a significant influence on his approach to the game. Garrett, who appeared as a guest on "Boardroom Talks," stated that he studies Bryant and others like Lawrence Taylor and Michael Jordan for their "killer instinct."
"You get to see the duality of it," Garrett said. "You have [Lawrence Taylor], you have Kobe, you have [Michael Jordan], who have a killer instinct. It exudes from them. They want to kill you, want to take you out the game."
Bryant, known for his "Mamba Mentality," embodied hard work, dedication, and an unwillingness to show weakness. Garrett aims to emulate this by playing the game with freedom and intent to dominate.
"Just playing the game as freely as you can, trying to combine the two," Garrett explained. "That’s how I feel like I walk on the field. I walk on the field and I plan to destroy the game, but I plan to have fun doing it the whole time."
Bryant famously demonstrated his dedication in 2013 by making two free throws with two torn Achilles tendons. Throughout his 20-year career with the Lakers, Bryant secured five NBA titles, two MVP awards, and was a two-time scoring champion. He was also an 18-time NBA All-Star.
In his final game at age 37, Bryant scored 60 points against the Utah Jazz. Garrett also mentioned growing up "attached" to Muhammad Ali, noting Ali's strategic use of opponents' trash talk to his advantage.
"Once you start playing those mental games and doing that mental gymnastics, you’re already defeated," Garrett said. "Then he’s got you right where he wants you."
Garrett, 30, is entering a new phase of his career with the Rams after being traded to the team in the offseason. He is one year removed from breaking Michael Strahan's single-season sack record with 23 sacks for the Cleveland Browns. His current goal is to win a Super Bowl, with the Rams currently considered favorites to win the championship.