This Sunday, people nationwide—and worldwide—will gather together to watch America’s biggest sporting event of the year: Super Bowl LIV. The diehard Gamecock fan in me is especially excited for this year’s match-up between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, and I can’t decide which team to pull for! On the one hand, we have two Gamecocks on the Kansas City roster: Rashad Fenton and Chris Lammons. On the other, former Gamecock and marquee player, Deebo Samuels, will take the field with the 49ers. At least I know that, regardless of which team I root for and which team wins the championship, Sunday will be a win in the books for USC fans like myself!

I have had sports on the brain more so than usual this week, but despite my excitement for the big game, it’s not anticipation of Super Bowl Sunday or who will win that has my mind abuzz. Like many, my thoughts have been consumed by the events of last Sunday and who we lost. The public sorrow following the untimely deaths of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, last weekend, is palpable. Millions are in mourning over the loss of an idol, mentor, and personal hero, and even folks who do not follow basketball feel the impact of this tragedy. Icons like Kobe Bryant seem invincible in the public eye, and his sudden demise is a shock to the system and a reminder of our own human fragility. Even more so, seeing the devastation that Kobe’s wife and three surviving daughters—and Gianna’s mother and sisters—are facing is simply heartbreaking.

The cloud of grief that has stemmed from the death of an American sports legend will undoubtedly be looming over this weekend’s events. But the global response to Kobe’s passing is an undeniable testament to how sports can unite people from all cultures, backgrounds, and belief systems, even in today’s divisive climate. Rather than dwelling on this loss as we gather together for the Super Bowl, we should be reminded of the wonderful occasion for communion and camaraderie that sporting events present, and seize the opportunity to share precious moments and common ground with our friends and family.