NFL Quarterback Peyton Manning Starts Fund for Families of Chattanooga Shooting Victims

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning prepares to throw against the Pittsburgh Steelers during their NFL football game in Denver September 9, 2012. | (Photo: Reuters/Rick Wilking)

NFL quarterback Peyton Manning has recently set up a donation fund for the families of the victims of the recent shooting in Chattanooga, Tennessee that claimed five lives.

The Denver Broncos quarterback announced last week that he will be setting up the Chattanooga Heroes Fund, with all donations to the fund going toward the families of the four Marines and one sailor killed in the July 16 attack in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In a statement, Manning said that as an alumnus of the University of Tennessee, the city of Chattanooga holds a special place in his heart.

"Our family has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the great city of Chattanooga, and it has a very special place in our hearts," Manning said. "But on July 16 this strong, welcoming community was forever changed by the tragedy that unfolded."

"The five servicemen who gave their lives, the police officer who risked his life in order to protect others, and the actions of many other first responders were truly heroic. We are proud to establish the Chattanooga Heroes Fund to honor these heroes by helping to provide for the future of their families."

Manning reportedly traveled to Chattanooga shortly after the shooting to meet with military personnel at one of the sites of the July 16 tragedy.

In a video announcing the Chattanooga Heroes Fund, Manning said that "together, with Sen. Bob Corker and the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, we have created the Chattanooga Heroes Fund to honor the individuals who gave their lives that day. The fund will help provide for their families and carry their legacy forward."