Blake Bortles, quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, showed his appreciation for the brave officers who responded to Sunday’s deadly shooting at a local Madden NFL 19 gaming tournament.
The NFL star and his foundation provided first responders with hot meals two different times on Monday.
Bortles “paid for meals for everyone on scene at Jacksonville Landing,” according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
In a handwritten note, Bortles wrote, “Thank you for everything that you do! Your service today & everyday is greatly appreciated!”
Police thanked Bortles for his caring act in a tweet Monday.
Big shout out to Blake Bortles, @BB5Foundation, and Mambos Cuban Cafe for delivering all of this food to the officers that have been working the recent tragedy. It’s been a long couple days and we are so appreciative for your kindness. Thank you. pic.twitter.com/pd4n4FHBKI
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) August 28, 2018
“It’s been a long couple days, and we are so appreciative for your kindness,” the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office replied.
Bortles’ foundation also tweeted its appreciation for the “bravery and courage that’s unanimously displayed for our community.”
And it thanked those who continue to aid Jacksonville in wake of the mass shooting.
It’s the bravery and courage that’s unanimously displayed for our community that we value the most! Thank you again to everyone who’s done and continuous to do their part for #Jacksonville! #JaxStrong https://t.co/R9yW9Z8Gcf
— Blake Bortles Foundation (@BB5Foundation) August 27, 2018
The sheriff’s office has been working around the clock since Sunday afternoon, after a 24-year-old gamer — who lost the Madden tournament in which he was competing — used a handgun to target players inside of a restaurant at The Landing.
Taylor Robertson, 27, and Eli Clayton, 22, were identified as the two victims of the shooting. Electronic Arts, which develops the “Madden” game, called their deaths “an inconceivable tragedy.”
Related: First Daughter Is Slammed with Criticism After Tweeting About Jacksonville Shooting
“Many of us at EA knew Elijah and Taylor well, and their positive, competitive spirit and respect for other players were evident to everyone,” the company said.
“They earned the admiration of all who watched them compete, and we will miss them greatly.”
For more on Bortles, check out the video below:
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