Chadwick Boseman death: MLB, NFL, NBA players mourn the sudden death of Black Panther star

Chadwick Boseman, 43, passed away after battling colon cancer for four years. Boseman, before rising to fame for his role as the Black Panther, also played MLB icon Jackie Robinson in 42. His death coincided with Jackie Robinson Day, which was postponed to August 28 from April 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MLB, NBA and NFL players mourned the actor's death on social media, joining the world to remember Boseman's illustrious career. 

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Chadwick Boseman death: Sports world pays tribute to Chadwick Boseman after his untimely passing

After 42 released in 2013, Boseman also went on appear in Draft Day in 2014. He played the role of a potential Cleveland Browns prospect in the NFL. This February, Boseman also judged the controversial NBA Dunk Contest during the All-Star Weekend. His death was announced through a statement on his official Twitter account. Boseman died at his house in Los Angeles with his wife and family by his side. 

Russell Wilson, MLB stars react to Boseman's death the day were observing Jackie Robinson day

"We are devastated by the tragic loss of Chadwick Boseman. His transcendent performance in “42” will stand the test of time and serve as a powerful vehicle to tell Jackie’s story to audiences for generations to come," MLB wrote in their heartfelt statement.  Adam Jones, Marcus Stroman and Taijuan Walker were among MLB stars who reacted on Twitter. Stroman shared a photo of Boseman posing with late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, who lost his life in a helicopter crash earlier this year. "RIP Black Kings," wrote the New York Mets pitcher. 

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NBA players pay their tributes after Chadwick Boseman death

Bradley Beal, Trae Young, CJ McCollum, Jayson Tatum, Klay Thompson, Pau Gasol and Kevin Love are few of the active NBA players who reacted to the devastating news on Twitter. Retired NBA icons like Magic Johnson and Dwyane Wade also mourned the actor on Twitter. "When you think this year can’t get worse R.I.P legend," Jusuf Nurkic wrote in his tweet. Young recounted meeting the actor during the All-Star Weekend, who "never stopped having" a smile on his face. Magic Johnson tweeted a thread, applauding Boseman to continue working while fighting cancer. 

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NFL players react to Boseman's sudden passing away

Seattle Seahawks Russell Wilson was among the first NFL stars to react to Boseman's passing. "Wakanda Forever," Wilson wrote, remembering Boseman's role as Marvel's Black Panther. Ryan Grant, Chris Harris Jr, Cameron Jordan and Lance Briggs were others who expressed their shock over Boseman's death. New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, like Stroman, shared a photo of Boseman and Bryant together. 

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(Image credits: AP)