The deadly shooting that occurred in a Buffalo supermarket this past Saturday shocked and devastated the country. Many in the sports world reacted with thoughts and prayers for the victims and their families. NFL star and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who grew up in the greater Buffalo area, delivered a heartfelt message to the city after the horrific shooting, as reported by Patriots Wire of USA Today.

“Sending much love and many prayers to the city of Buffalo. Especially to the families and friends of all the victims of the tragic shooting yesterday. Buffalo will always have a special place in my heart and what happened yesterday was devastating. Stay strong.”

Gronkowski sent his “love and many prayers” to Buffalo, as well as to the family and friends of the victims involved in the shooting. The star tight end said that the city will “always have a special place in his heart”, urging its residents to “stay strong.”

This clearly hit home for Gronkowski, who attended Williamsville North High School, which is about a 25-minute drive from the Tops supermarket where the shooting took place.

The Buccaneers and Patriots star's heartfelt words are among the many that are needed in the aftermath of this horrifying day.