Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and the eight other victims of last Sunday's fatal helicopter crash were honored prior to Super Bowl LIV.
The names of the victims were flashed on one of the video boards alongside a picture of Bryant and his daughter Gianna, who were among those who perished in the tragic crash.
Kobe Bryant, his daughter & the others lost in the helicopter crash last week, and the memory of Chris Doleman honored at Hard Eock Stadium. #SuperBowlLIV pic.twitter.com/O0HUnGAKB4
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) February 2, 2020
The members of the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs also lined up at the 24-yard line in an ode to Bryant, who wore No. 24 over the final ten years of his career.
The Chiefs and 49ers are lined up at the 24-yard line in honor of Kobe Bryant 🙌 #SBLIV
(via @ByTimReynolds) pic.twitter.com/qHClv4tLgz
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 2, 2020
Multiple players honored Bryant prior to kickoff, including Niners cornerback Richard Sherman and Chiefs wide receiver Demarcus Robinson:
Richard Sherman shows up to Super Bowl LIV paying tribute to Kobe ❤️
(via @FOXSports)pic.twitter.com/ZQEwSdso4Y
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) February 2, 2020
Chiefs WR @Demarcus Robinson is repping Kobe Bryant for #SBLIV
💜 2️⃣4️⃣ 💛 pic.twitter.com/YuUTjmUvwn
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 2, 2020
Bryant's death has been a massive shell shock throughout the week, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell noted the massive impact of the Lakers icon over the course of his life.
“I don’t think just Los Angeles is mourning the loss of Kobe Bryant,” Goodell said before sharing his own memories of the late NBA legend, Ben Pickman of Sports Illustrated.
“I did have the opportunity to meet him. He obviously brought a lot to our world and I think all of us not only feel for the tragic events to his family but as well as everyone else who was a passenger on that helicopter.
“It’s hard to understand and it’s hard to process.”
Kobe Bryant was a figure who sought to inspire fellow athletes and common citizens around the world. His influence was not merely limited to the hardwood, as Sherman and Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes have both spoken at length about the Lakers great as a force of will.
The NFL made sure to honor his memory, as well as the memories of the other victims, prior to the start of the biggest game of the season.
Follow Us
Subscribe