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Sports world reacts to death of Chadwick Boseman

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Remembering Chadwick Boseman: Victor Oladipo's 'Black Panther' dunk (0:42)

Flashback to the 2018 dunk contest, when the late Chadwick Boseman assisted Victor Oladipo moments before his "Black Panther" tribute dunk. (0:42)

Chadwick Boseman, the star of "Black Panther," died on Friday after a long battle with colon cancer. He was 43.

Boseman, who portrayed baseball icon Jackie Robinson in the 2013 film "42," died on the same day as Major League Baseball's annual celebration of Jackie Robinson Day, in honor of the color barrier-breaking Brooklyn Dodgers star, with every player wearing Robinson's No. 42.

"It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman," the statement from Boseman's official Twitter account said. "It was the honor of his career to bring King T'Challa to life in Black Panther."

The sporting world responded in droves to the news of Boseman's death, with MLB players reacting on Twitter and sharing their appreciation for the actor and his portrayal of Robinson.

Boseman had a strong connection to the NBA, including being a judge and an impromptu participant in the 2018 slam dunk contest. Victor Oladipo, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Love and Trae Young were among the many NBA stars who took to Twitter to share their appreciation for the actor.

Other stars from across the sporting world, from tennis, to the WWE and UFC to the NFL and NHL, also went on social media to express their condolences and share the impact Boseman had on their lives.

The Cleveland Browns remembered Boseman for his role playing Vontae Mack in "Draft Day." Also, the Denver Broncos highlighted Boseman's role in "The Express," in which he portrayed five-time Pro Bowler and Pro Football Hall of Famer Floyd Little.

MORE: Victor Oladipo on that "Black Panther" mask and how he passes the time on the team plane