DMX made a huge impact on athletes around the world -- many of whom are paying tribute to the rapper in the wake of his death Friday morning.
NFL star Adrian Peterson posted, "A Hip hop icon like no other. RIP."
LeBron James paid tribute by playing X's music on his IG page -- including the smash hit "Slippin'."
NBA star Jamal Crawford added, "DMX gave hope to the hopeless ... RIP legend."
Ex-NFL wide receiver Torrey Smith -- "RIP DMX!