Dylan Raiola has chosen to adopt the mentality of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ Kobe Bryant, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers football star breaks away from his commitment to replicating Patrick Mahomes.
The young quarterback is known for mirroring the looks and playbook of the Kansas City Chiefs‘ three-time Super Bowl champion, something that has earned a mixed reception from fans and critics.
So perhaps now in a bid to establish his own identity, the 19-year-old seems to have turned his attention to basketball and, in particular, one of its most respected and celebrated names.
“Chasing perfection,” Raiola posted to Instagram, showing him in a training camp. The phrase is commonly associated with Bryant, famed for his ruthless Mamba Mentality approach.
Mamba Mentality has several key principles such as working hard, displaying bravery. A devotion to focus, and a willingness to turn setbacks into lessons and it’s part of why the late Laker was so successful.
Playing in the NBA for 20 years, Kobe produced five championships and two NBA Finals MVPs, as well as career stats of 33,643 points, 7047 rebounds and 6306 assists. Adjusted to averages per game, they read 25 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists.
Raiola is also known for mirroring Mahomes through their dress sense and looks, as well as their style of play on the football field. He also wears the number 15 jersey and additionally follows similar pregame rituals.
It’s all part of why he has a NIL value in the region of 2.3 million dollars, at the sharper end of the college football system. And the Kansas City star has even trained with the youngster and tips him to make his own mark on football.
What makes Dylan Raiola good?
His reputation and his numbers speak for themselves, and that’s why he’s a good role model for aspiring athletes such as the Cornhusker’s Raiola, who will be eligible for the NFL Draft in 2027.
And he has talent too. Leading Nebraska to the Pinstripe Bowl game, their first since 2016, the team finished the 2024/25 NCAA season with a 7-6 record whilst he personally made 2819 passing yards and 13 touchdowns. But what makes him good?
“His movement in the pocket, I think, is excellent,” his head coach, Matt Rhule said in April. “His ability to play the next play and move on, his checks, his knowing what he’s seeing coverage wise…
“We’ve added some more coverages, and he’s able to get through all the coverages.”
Raiola will return to football action at the Arrowhead Stadium, of all places, when the Cornhuskers take on the Cincinnati Bearcats to kick off their 2025/26 NCAA campaign on August 28.
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