The shocking news hit Friday night: Actor Chadwick Boseman was dead of colon cancer at the age of 43.
For many, the shock was compounded by learning for the first time that the "Black Panther" and "42" star battled the disease for four years. That meant Boseman was ill while he created art that inspired countless numbers of people.
— Chadwick Boseman (@chadwickboseman) August 29, 2020
Sports figures were devastated along with the rest of the world. They, too, took inspiration from the man who brought T'Challa to life on the screen and who skillfully told the story of Jackie Robinson.
A sample of how athletes and teams reacted to Boseman's death, beginning with LeBron James:
Smh it’s just to much going on right now....... R.I.H #BlackPanther https://t.co/Vh9WvZz1bP
— Victor Oladipo (@VicOladipo) August 29, 2020
We really lost our Black Superhero...
— Jamal Adams (@Prez) August 29, 2020
I met you at the premier of 42 in Pittsburgh in 2013. Even though you were in the spotlight and all eyes were on you, I remember you saying, “I’m that one that’s starstruck by all of these athletes here.” That’s the man you were. Humble. You will be missed. RIP Chadwick Boseman pic.twitter.com/ypJc1yUq9p
— andrew mccutchen (@TheCUTCH22) August 29, 2020
The quote we used in our lineup graphic was from "42" where Chadwick Boseman portrayed Jackie Robinson:
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) August 29, 2020
"Maybe tomorrow, we'll all wear 42, so nobody could tell us apart."
RIP, Chadwick. pic.twitter.com/H2esjCNbql
No way...
— Trae Young (@TheTraeYoung) August 29, 2020
Rest in Heaven 👑 https://t.co/3kDVUvdjEY
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) August 29, 2020
R.I.P Chadwick Boseman
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) August 29, 2020
Thanks for the Birthday love, it's with a heavy heart i share it on a day where we lose someone who helped to inspire me, my family and a generation. Black Panther lives for ever. RIP Chadwick 👑🙅🏽♂️ https://t.co/dNztmSO3u5
— Patrick van Aanholt (@pvanaanholt) August 29, 2020
2020 is the WORST. Black Mamba and now Black Panther 😢
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) August 29, 2020
RIP Chadwick Boseman pic.twitter.com/XeDOabHXt0
