Joe "Jellybean" Bryant, father of basketball legend Kobe Bryant and a star player in his own right, passed away at the age of 69 from a massive stroke. Known for his skills and memorable nickname, Joe Bryant had a successful career in the NBA, playing for teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets, before finding even greater success playing professionally in Europe. Despite their close relationship during Kobe's childhood and high school career, their bond became strained as Kobe pursued his NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Joe Bryant's death comes just four and a half years after the tragic helicopter crash that took the lives of Kobe, his daughter Gigi, and seven others. His legacy as a talented player and devoted father will be remembered in the basketball community and beyond.