Long before San Francisco 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman was a three-time Pro Bowler and Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant was an NBA Finals MVP, the two superstars were once schoolmates. Both are products of Drew Freeman Middle School in Prince George's County, Md., and have since reunited in the Bay Area.
In the wake of the Warriors NBA Championship on Monday, Bowman shared his excitement in his old friend's success.
"It's a great thing to see. You watched the guy just get through what we've gotten through our entire life," Bowman said of Durant. "To understand exactly where he came from, it says a lot about how hard he's worked. Nothing is given to anyone. Especially on the side where we come from.
"Just to see the joy in his mom's eyes. I remember going to their house and seeing his mom get home from work and putting in those hours and seeing her rejoice, see her son reach the pinnacle that he's been working so hard for his entire life."
Though Bowman didn't attend Monday night's game, he shot Durant a congratulatory text shortly after the Warriors victory. Durant's first championship serves as motivation for the 49ers linebacker. Bowman has appeared in one Super Bowl during his career, but fell short to the Baltimore Ravens in 2012.
"I did (envision myself winning a championship) last night actually," Bowman said. "I pulled out my playbook. It made me want to go out there and win my first ring even more. It's the same thing with him making it into the NBA. He motivated me to get to this point, and he definitely motivated me last night."
