Just over a half hour before Super Bowl LIV's scheduled 3:30 p.m. PT kickoff, the 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs paid tribute to Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter and seven others who tragically died one week ago in a helicopter crash.
Both teams lined up on their respective 24-yard line to honor the former Los Angeles Lakers star as there was a moment of silence at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
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San Francisco's star cornerback Richard Sherman arrived to Sunday's Big Game in one of Bryant's All-Star Game jerseys. Sherman, a Compton native, said Monday that Bryant "was a friend of mine" and "a mentor."
The All-Pro further paid tribute Bryant on FOX Sports' pre-game broadcast ahead of the Super Bowl. Sherman read a poem called "Dear Football," inspired by Bryant's Oscar-winning "Dear Basketball."
Sherman isn't the only 49er to pay tribute to Kobe on the brightest stage, too. Wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders wore Bryant-inspired cleats during pregame festivities.
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There's no doubt Super Bowl LIV is full of players, coaches and more who have been inspired by Bryant's "Mamba Mentality" and have had Kobe on their minds this week.
