There’s nothing like seeing a heart-felt tribute in the sport world.
On Thursday, terrible news struck the world of sports as Charlotte FC defender, Anton Walkes, tragically passed away at the age of 25.
There are no words to describe the sorrow of everyone in Major League Soccer today after learning of the tragic passing of Anton Walkes of Charlotte FC. Anton was a talented and dedicated player who was loved by his teammates and fans. pic.twitter.com/9S7hT3fMiM
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 19, 2023
Numerous teams, players and organizations sent their condolences to his teammates, family and loved ones.
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former player, Anton Walkes.
As a mark of respect, our first team will wear black armbands at this evening’s Premier League match against Manchester City, with all our Academy sides to wear black armbands this weekend.— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 19, 2023
RIP, Anton Walkes pic.twitter.com/8SJD9vDBrg
— Jordan (@PFCJ96) January 21, 2023
The Panthers put their head coaching search on hold after the death of Charlotte FC player Anton Walkes on Thursday.@josephperson on what it would take for Carolina to land Sean Payton ⤵️https://t.co/culzkdk6qd
— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) January 21, 2023
Dennis Schroder pays tribute and dedicates NBA win to Anton Walkes
During the regular season NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, Lakers player Dennis Schröder decided to use the game as a way tribute the late player.
The German NBA star — former Atlanta Hawks player — personalized his sneaker in tribute of Anton Walkes by writing “RIP Anton W.” Walkes — a former Atlanta United player — was a regular at the Atlanta Hawks home games during the years of Schröder at the organization.
Dennis Schröder dedicates this win to his friend, @CharlotteFC player Anton Walkes, who tragically passed away yesterday pic.twitter.com/xp1Rs1jhMf
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 21, 2023
Out with the bros watching the game, let’s go @ATLHawks #TrueToAtlanta pic.twitter.com/ASc1sGKN05
— AW (@AntonWalkes) November 4, 2017
In a very emotional and dramatic fashion, when the Lakers were trailing by two points with seconds remaining in the game, Schröder pulled off an amazing steal and scored a couple of points that ultimately sealed the Lakers win. He broke the Grizzlies 11-game winning streak.
DENNIS SCHRODER STEAL & SCORE GIVES THE LAKERS THE LEAD
7.6 SECONDS LEFT ON ESPN pic.twitter.com/MLxkaGY3MP— NBA (@NBA) January 21, 2023
Schröder then took to Instagram to dedicate the win, the steal and the game to Walkes.
“Hope you’re in a better place right now and I’m gonna make sure you’re going to be proud of us all!,” wrote the Lakers player.
View this post on Instagram
