Mother's Day has long-term connection with legendary coach “Bear” Bryant

As we approach Mother's Day on Sunday, May 11, 2025, here is a story about the holidays and legendary Alabama football coach Paul W, "Bear Bryant (Paul W.

This has become a Mother's Day tradition.

Somewhere in the social media world, people will start sharing videos of the heart-warming Southern Central Bells Company of Alabama legendary University coach Paul W. "Bear" Bryant in the 1970s. At the end of the 30-second ad, Kobe asked the audience if they called their mother today.

Bryant/Bell ads have been viewed over 300,000 times. Last year, CoachTube.com posted a video on Twitter, receiving 210 retweets and nearly 500 "likes".

The ad started with Kobe, wearing a crimson sweater, hanging in his office.

"The first thing we told the players was to stay in touch with their families. When our freshmen first arrived, we asked them to write postcards at the time," Bryant said as the camera gradually approached.

“You know, we keep them very busy, but they always have time to answer and make calls. It’s really important to stay in touch.

"Did you call mom today? I definitely wish I could call me."

It is said that Bryant died in 1983 at the age of 69.

The ad ends with the singer singing Central Bell slogan "Stand out your hand and touch someone."

Kobe's mom is Ida Mae Kilgore Bryant from the bottom of Moro, Arkansas. He is the 11th of her 12 kids and plays college football at the University of Alabama.

As a coach, Kobe won 323 games in 38 years. He started his career at the University of Maryland, then moved to the University of Kentucky, then to Texas A&M before settling down at his alma mater.

In Tuscaloosa's 25 seasons, Bryant won six national titles and a 13-second title, while launching careers for future NFL legends Joe Namath and Ken Stabler.

When asked why he left Texas A&M for Tuscaloosa, Kobe had a simple answer:

"Mom calls."