November 30^th, 2015 marks the end of an era. On that Sunday, Kobe Bryant, a five time NBA champion, announced to the Players Tribune website that his retirement will follow this season. “This season is all I have left to give,” Bryant wrote.

In a first person poem titled “Dear Basketball,” Bryant speaks passionately about the game he has “fallen in love with… You gave a six year old his Laker dream,” the poem reads, “And I’ll always love you for it.” “But I can’t love you obsessively for much longer,” Bryant elaborated. “This season is all I have left to give. My heart can take the pounding. My mind can handle the grind but my body knows it’s time to say goodbye…And that’s OK. I’m ready to let you go.”

Bryant addressed the media after Sunday’s 107-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers, saying that he made his decision “a while” ago. “I’ve known for a while,” Bryant said. “A decision like this, you can’t make that decision based on outside circumstances. It has to be an internal decision, and finally I’ve decided to accept that I can’t actually do this anymore, and I’m OK with that.”

After two decades, two Olympic gold medals, five championship rings, 17 All-Star selections, an 81-point game that ranks as the second-best in NBA history and more than 32,000 points, Bryant’s career is officially winding down.

“With 17 NBA All-Star selections, an NBA MVP, five NBA championships with the Lakers, two Olympic gold medals and a relentless work ethic, Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players in the history of our game,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “Whether competing in the Finals or hoisting jump shots after midnight in an empty gym, Kobe has an unconditional love for the game. I join Kobe’s millions of fans around the world in congratulating him on an outstanding NBA career and thank him for so many thrilling memories.”

Kobe’s retirement has reverberated around the world. Many heartfelt tweets from various celebrities, fans and sports icons have flooded the web. Generally, most thank Kobe for the inspiration he provided them through his hard work and competitive spirit.  #ThankYouKobe and #Mamba have been trending on both Twitter and Instagram for the past week.

Love him or hate him, Kobe’s impact has extended, and will continue to extend further than the basketball court. Stephan A. Smith, a sports analyst and good friend of Bryant’s spoke on Kobe’s lasting impact Monday. “He has touched the heart of everyone that has watched him play,” Stephan A. stated.

Henry Yocum, an Air Academy senior, and varsity basketball player was also moved by the sudden announcement this past Sunday. “He in undeniably one of the best five scorers to every play the game, he is one of the most competitive, yet gifted athletes I have ever had the privilege to watch.” Yocum stated.

Kobe also is well cultured. Growing up in Spain, Bryant is a huge soccer fan, speaks three languages, and is a world renowned business ambassador for professional athletes. When asked what his plans were after this season was up, Kobe responded “I would like to keep my brand going.” Stephan A. Smith claims that in 5 years Kobe could be a billionaire. “A star of his stature never goes away. I understand the deep grievances for having to watch Kobe step off the court, but we will continue to hear from him, one way or another.”