'BEAUTIFUL TROPHY'

The 24-year-old Mahomes became the second-youngest quarterback to win a Super Bowl, adding to his growing reputation as the NFL's next superstar.

But Mahomes, who completed 26 of 42 attempts for 286 yards and two touchdowns, appeared out of sorts for nearly three quarters of the game before stepping up when it mattered to earn the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP) honours.

Mahomes is the youngest to win both the NFL and Super Bowl MVP awards.

The win was also validation for Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who had more career regular-season wins (207) than any coach without a Super Bowl win until Sunday.

"He is going to be listed as one of the all-time great coaches of history whenever he wants to be done," said Mahomes. "We wanted to get him this trophy because he deserved it.

"The work he puts in day in and day out, he is there three in the morning and leaves 11 in the evening, I don't think he sleeps."

Reid made it clear early on that he was willing to roll the dice to get his hands on the Lombardi trophy, extending both their first half scoring drives by converting on fourth downs.

The Super Bowl began on a sombre note with a moment of silence in memory of Los Angles Lakers great Kobe Bryant, who was killed in helicopter crash along with eight others, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

But the end of night was one of celebration as Hard Rock Stadium exploded in cheers when members of the Hunt family, the Chiefs' owners, stepped forward to accept the trophy from NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

The handover was particularly special given that Lamar Hunt is widely credited with coining the name 'Super Bowl'.

"It's a beautiful trophy," said his son Clark Hunt. "I am so happy for our players, coaches and fans."

Reuters