Prior to kickoff, players from both the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers stood at the 24-yard-line to honour Bryant, who wore the No 24 during much of his two-decade career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

A photo of Bryant and his daughter was projected above the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium.

One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Bryant won five NBA championships and was twice named the NBA Finals MVP during his 20 seasons in the league, all of which he spent with the Los Angeles Lakers.

His sudden death at age 41 was felt throughout the world of professional sports, with tens of thousands of fans flooding the grounds of the Staples Centre when the Lakers played for the first time since his death.

Tributes have been paid to Bryant in the week leading up to Super Bowl LIV, with players reflecting on his influence during Monday’s opening night.