The late Kobe Bryant has a nephew who is turning heads in the sports world.
Jett Washington, nephew of Kobe and son of Sharia Bryant, is impressing many with his athletic ability. However, unlike his legendary uncle, Washington’s dominance comes on the football field rather than the basketball court.
Washington, currently playing as a safety for Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, is also an aspiring wide receiver with eyes on one day possibly playing in the NFL.
“A majority of schools see me as a safety, a free safety, but I think I could play receiver,” Washington recently told 247Sports.
Ranked as Nevada’s No. 1 prospect for the class of 2026, Washington has garnered attention from major programs including Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and USC, among others.
His versatility on the field has caught the eye of many in the college football world.
“My main thing right now is probably football, but some schools have asked me and brought up the idea of playing two sports,” he added.
“If they bring it up and it is something that is doable, I would be interested in it, but I’m not going to go out of my way and be like ‘I’ve got to play basketball here’.”
Unsurprisingly, Washington is also a standout basketball player.
Earlier this year, he showcased his skills at the Staples Center Crypto.com Arena, where his late uncle Kobe once played, by scoring 33 points and hitting a buzzer-beater to force overtime in a Coastal Catholic Classic game.
Despite his efforts, Bishop Gorman fell just short, losing 82-81.
While football remains his primary focus, Washington remains open to the idea of playing both sports at the collegiate level.
The Bryant family has a rich athletic legacy. Kobe Bryant was not the only notable athlete; his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, had an eight-year NBA career followed by a successful stint in Europe.
Kobe’s uncle, John “Chubby” Cox, briefly played for the Washington Bullets, and his cousin, John Cox, had a long career overseas.
With two more years of high school remaining, Jett Washington is poised to continue the family’s tradition of athletic excellence, potentially adding another professional sports star to the Bryant legacy.
Sure, Washington still has a long way to go in his high school career – but what are your early thoughts on him as a prospect?
Do you think he’s the real deal? Or is he being overrated because of his legendary bloodlines?
At the end of the day, where do you think he will end up playing college football?
Are you in favor of athletes playing two sports in college? Or should they focus on just one once they reach that high of a level???