Patriots honor victims of Conn. shooting at game

FOXBORO, Mass. (WHDH) -- Twenty-six flares lit up the night sky above Gillette Stadium.

Twenty-six individual lights; one for each person killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School Friday morning.

The Patriots paid respect to the students and teachers who lost their lives in Connecticut.

Each player's helmet has a decal on the back featuring Newtown’s town seal and a black ribbon.

“I think it shows that the Kraft family genuinely cares and they’re trying to make a statement and they’re doing it in the best way they know how,” said a Patriots fan.

“We need to recognize what happened and pay respect to what happened,” said Patriots fan, Hannah O’Sullivan.

The patriots were not alone in their tribute. The New York Giants also honored the victims. S.H.E.S. for sandy hook elementary school, was written on each of their helmets.

Giants receiver, Victor Cruz also wrote on his cleats-'Jack Pinto-my hero-this one is for you.’

Jack, a 6-year-old, who was killed at the school was a giants fan, and Cruz was his favorite player.

In a moment of silent reflection at NFL stadiums across the country, players, coaches, and fans paused for a moment of silence. Everyone paid their respect, before each game.

There is word that the Kraft’s will donate $25,000 to the families of Newtown.