Kobe Bryant Shows Rob Gronkowski Highest Level of Respect

Kobe Bryant is no stranger to elite talent. Not only does he possess it himself, but he's played against, with and around some of the greatest athletes in the world his entire professional career.

When Kobe Bryant pays you respect, you know he means it.

New England Patriots record-setting tight end Rob Gronkowski has earned a lot of people's respect this season—Kobe now among them.

It didn't come in normal fashion either. Kobe and Gronk's exchange came while the the Los Angeles Lakers superstar was in the middle of a heated game against the Boston Celtics.

WEEI radio in Boston quoted Kobe saying:

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"I told him the Eagles need a tight end," joked Bryant, who grew up in Philadelphia and remains an Eagles fan. "I'm recruiting. He's a freak athlete. He shouted at me and I shouted back. It's fun to have those conversations with athletes you respect."

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While the words alone are enough, the fact that Kobe went out of his way during his line of work to chat with the Gronk speaks volumes about his overall respect for the kid.

The Pats tight end is all of 22-years old and has played only two seasons in the NFL. He isn't a Tim Tebow-like college icon—heck, he wasn't even a first round pick.

The Gronk captured fame and respect the old fashion way: he earned it.

Kobe is ruthless when on the basketball court. For him to show the Gronk some love during a game, against the Celtics no less, is one of the highest forms of praise the young tight end will ever receive.