In the wake of Sunday’s mass shooting that killed two people and injured 11 more at a Madden NFL video game tournament in Jacksonville, Fla., Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles and his foundation stepped up to provide free meals to first responders.

The Blake Bortles Foundation announced on Twitter that they partnered with Mambos Cuban Cafe in Jacksonville to offer all first responders on first or second shifts a hot meal.

Bortles also included a handwritten letter of gratitude.

“Thank you for everything that you do! Your service today and everyday is greatly appreciated!” he wrote in a note shared by Scott Dingee.

 

 

 

The Blake Bortles Foundation focuses their efforts on two populations in the Jacksconville and Oviedo, Fla. areas: Children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and first responders.

Surely, the money that came from Cincinnati Bengals fans last season has helped make this donation possible.

Fans donated to Bortles’ foundation as a way to say “thank you for beating the Pittsburgh Steelers” –the Bengals’ AFC North rival — 45-42. Bortles threw for 214 yards and a touchdown in his team’s win and stayed composed in the fourth-quarter to drive the Jaguars down field.

“Fans are at the core of the football experience and it’s truly exciting and rewarding when they band together, regardless of the team they cheer for, to make a positive impact in the lives of others,” Bortles said at the time. “I greatly appreciate the support displayed by Bengals fans and they should know their support will make a difference.”

And Bortles is certainly living up to his word.