Joe Bryant, the father of the legendary NBA player Kobe Bryant, has tragically passed away at the age of 69. The news of his passing was confirmed by La Salle University’s athletics department.

According to reports, Joe Bryant had recently suffered a stroke, although the exact cause of death has not been confirmed.

He was a former professional basketball player himself, known affectionately by his nickname “Jellybean.” Joe Bryant hailed from Philadelphia, where he played college basketball for La Salle University from 1973 to 1975.In the 1975 NBA draft, Joe Bryant was selected as the 14th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors.