As RedState wrote on Friday, actor Carl Weathers, one of the greats both on the gridiron and in the entertainment world, left us way too soon. He passed away Thursday at his home. My colleague Jennifer Oliver O'Connell wrote:

....He had celebrated his 76th birthday a little over two weeks before. His family released a statement:

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.

READ: Trailblazer, Legend, and Pop Culture Icon Carl Weathers, Dead at 76

Perhaps the man whose career Weathers affected the most was actor-writer-producer Sylvester Stallone. The star appears to know this fact better than anyone, based on an in memoriam video Stallone shared with fans on the X platform on Friday:

Watch:

Sylvester Stallone has a heartfelt message about Carl Weathers. It’s worth the watch. pic.twitter.com/e9KWBeY415

— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) February 3, 2024

After greeting viewers, Stallone appeared about to break down, as he said:

Today is an incredibly sad day for me. I'm so torn up, I can't even tell you.

I'm just trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success. Everything about it, I give him incredible credit and kudos.

But, the most touching part of the video was when Stallone reached back in his memory and recalled the man's sheer power of presence--from the first time he saw Weathers walk into a room:

Because when he walked into that room, and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness. But I didn't realize how great.

I never could have accomplished what we did with "Rocky" without him. He was absolutely brilliant--his voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability--but more importantly, his heart, his soul.

After a moment of reflection, he added, with a sigh: "It's a horrible loss."

Humility is a rare thing in Hollywood, but Stallone seems to get it. Nothing we achieve is solely our efforts when we're successful.

I must share that famous scene from "Rocky III":

RIP, Carl Weathers.

Enjoy this somewhat longer tribute to Apollo Creed, courtesy of the official "Rocky Balboa" YT channel: