The storied rivalry between the USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins is set to add another chapter this weekend. But as the two Los Angeles college football powerhouses clash on the gridiron, the Trojans will be sporting a special tribute to a hometown hero.
Honoring a Lakers Legend
USC unveiled exclusive Nike football cleats inspired by the iconic Kobe Bryant signature sneaker – the Kobe 6 “Grinch”. The sleek, low-top cleats feature a primarily black upper with scaly mint green accents, gold swooshes, and Kobe’s signature prominently displayed on the heel.
The choice of the “Grinch” colorway is a nod to the Nike Kobe 6 sneakers Bryant debuted in a Christmas Day game against the Miami Heat in 2010. The unique design and timing helped cement them as one of Kobe’s most memorable and coveted signature shoes.
Playing for the Lakers, it’s the 10th anniversary, it only just lines up for me to be able to wear those shoes. It’s definitely an honor.
– Anthony Davis on wearing the Kobe “Grinch” shoes in 2020
More Than Just Cleats
For USC, this is about more than fancy footwear. It’s a tribute to Bryant’s immeasurable impact and unbreakable bond with the city of Los Angeles.
Kobe spent his entire 20-year NBA career with the Lakers, delivering five championships and countless unforgettable moments. His reach extended well beyond the hardwood, as he became a global icon and a source of inspiration for athletes across all sports.
Kobe was an influential figure not just for the Lakers, but for Los Angeles as a whole. His drive, work ethic, and pursuit of excellence left a lasting mark on the city and its sports culture.
– USC athletic department source
Motivation for the Matchup
USC players hope the Kobe cleats provide an extra spark as they look to take down their crosstown rivals. In recent years, UCLA has had the upper hand in the series, winning 3 of the last 4 meetings.
The Trojans see this as an opportunity to not only claim city bragging rights, but to honor Bryant’s legacy by channeling his famous “Mamba Mentality”.
We want to make Kobe proud. We know he had that ultra-competitive mindset. No better way to pay tribute than by leaving it all out there against UCLA.
– USC team captain, per sources
Setting a New Trend?
USC isn’t the first football team to don Kobe-inspired cleats. Houston Texans star Stefon Diggs rocked Kobe 5-themed cleats earlier this season. And the “Grinch” cleats are rumored to be getting an official Nike release later this week.
As the popularity of custom cleats continues to rise in the NFL and college, it will be interesting to see if more teams follow suit with Kobe tribute designs moving forward.
One thing is for certain – all eyes will be on the footwear when USC takes the field against UCLA. Win or lose, the Trojans are ensuring Kobe Bryant’s legacy shines bright under the Los Angeles spotlight once again.
