New York Giants receiver Victor Cruz on Tuesday visited the family of Jack Pinto, a six-year-old who was among 20 children killed in Friday’s mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.
The youth was a major Cruz fan, so much so that his family had him buried in his No. 80 Giants jersey. The NFL player said while in Atlanta Sunday for a game against the Falcons that he dedicated it to the Pinto family.
He made the trip to the Pinto home and spent private time with the family, according to reports. During Cruz’ visit, many elementary school-age children played touch football in the front yard of the family’s home on Tuesday. Some wore Giants jerseys or Newtown football or wrestling shirts. They laughed and smiled, defying the somber feeling as they laughed, smiled and hugged.
The children and their families enjoyed the respite from the several hours before departing. Kids left with autographed Giants footballs and jerseys.
When Cruz left the home – about 45 minutes after the kids left – he jumped into an SUV and was driven away by an escort of five police cruisers, sirens blaring.
Cruz later posted on his Twitter account that he has “much love to the entire Pinto family. Great people with huge hearts.”
Several people leaving the home confirmed Cruz was there.
Meanwhile, Providence College from nearby Rhode Island is also made a commitment to supporting the shell-shocked town. Friars coach Ed Cooley said his team will wear green jersey for with “Sandy Hook” on the back above the players’ numbers.
Cooley, who previously coached at Fairfield near Newtown, said he alerted Nike and wanted to have special uniforms made for the occasion. He said the school would then send the jerseys to the victims’ families.
