The Sports Xchange

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has created the Chattanooga Heroes Fund to help support the families of U.S. servicemen who were murdered in Chattanooga, Tenn., last week.

Four Marines and a Navy sailor were shot to death by a 24-year-old man, who was killed by police. A Chattanooga police officer also remains hospitalized.

Manning, who played at the University of Tennessee in the 1990s, traveled to Chattanooga last Saturday to visit police and military personnel.

In announcing the fund Thursday, he said, “Our family has enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the great city of Chattanooga, and it has a very special place in our hearts. But on July 16th, 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 team up with the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga to establish the Chattanooga Heroes Fund honoring these heroes and helping to provide for the future of their families.”

U.S. Senator Bob Corker, a former Chattanooga mayor, joined Manning in making the first donations to the fund.

“We deeply appreciate Senator Corker’s support in establishing the Chattanooga Heroes Fund and hope that others can do what they can to recognize the noble actions of the servicemen who sacrificed and risked their own lives last week,” Manning said.