Attending Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Sports Academy in 2019, New York Jets IDL Quinnen Williams credits Bryant for providing leadership advice.
Before Quinnen Williams busted out for the New York Jets this past season, he was a young man entering the NFL. With plenty of questions and goals that he wished to achieve, Q wanted to make sure he took the correct route for his career.
He was given a great opportunity to navigate those professional waters when he attended the Mamba Sports Academy in 2019.
Recently appearing on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, Quinnen was asked about the advice given by the late Kobe Bryant and if he believed he was a leader on the Jets defense.
Williams’ story is one that all fans have come to know about the hard-working Kobe Bryant.
When @QuinnenWilliams was training at Mamba Sports Academy in 2019, Kobe said to meet at the gym at 4:30 am for workouts. When Q arrived at 4:30, Kobe was finishing his workout.
Legendary.
(via @gmfb) pic.twitter.com/9U6At39vP0
— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 4, 2021
“He used to come in there, every single morning, at 4:30 a.m., like ‘Q, meet me there at 4:30,'” Williams said. “I would go up there and meet him at 4:30, but he’s getting done with his workout at 4:30.”
It was a lesson in professionalism and work ethic.
“I’m like, ‘Bro, you told me to come up here so we could talk at 4:30, and you’re just getting done with your workout. So, what time did you really have to get here to work out?'”
That advice did wonders.
Williams had an excellent bounce-back season in 2020 that saw him double nearly every statistic from his rookie campaign. He didn’t falter under pressure as ‘bust’ whispers were starting to percolate.
It became clear the hard work had paid off. His performance improved, as did his growth as a person.
Play: 👉 the Jet X Offseason Simulator
“Nobody’s going to follow somebody who’s not doing their job,” Bryant told Williams.
Williams also credited former Jets defensive lineman Steve McLendon as an excellent source of advice in his career. Teaching him how to be a leader and doing the right things were some a couple of the things the veteran passed down to the youngster.
Now, McLendon is gone and Williams is entering his third year with the team. Williams now believes he has the tools and mindset to build upon his excellent 2020 season.
Quinnen Williams is ready and equipped to become a great leader for this New York Jets team for years to come—part in thanks to Kobe Bryant.
