NFL holds moment of silence for Kobe Bryant during Opening Night

MIAMI, Fl. (KMIZ)

There was plenty of excitement at the Super Bowl Opening Night, but there was also sadness as the National Football League honored Kobe Bryant.

The NFL held a moment of silence Monday night for Bryant, who was killed in a helicopter crash Sunday in Calabasas, California.

At one point, fans gathered at Marlin Park started chanting Bryant's name.

Chiefs Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he found out about Bryant's death while he was on the plane headed for Miami.

"I wasn't lucky enough to meet Kobe, but the impact he had was huge. The way he was able to go about every single day, when I was a kid….the work ethic and the intensity that he had to be great every single day," Mahomes said. "Even now I still watch videos on YouTube and listen to him talk about being great on and off the field with his kids and his business ventures and obviously his play. It's a tragic thing. Prayers to his family, but he made a huge impact on my life for sure."

Along with Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in the crash.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.