Victor Cruz dedicates game to 6-year-old shooting victim

Chris Strauss, USA TODAY Sports

Giants receiver Victor Cruz and his teammates will be playing with heavy hearts Sunday against Atlanta.

The New York Giants wore logos on their helmets commemorating the victims of the tragic shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. when they faced the Atlanta Falcons Sunday afternoon, but one player added an even more personal touch.

Wide receiver Victor Cruz learned Saturday that one of the 20 children killed in the tragedy, six-year-old Jack Pinto, was a huge Giants fan and that Cruz was his favorite player. Cruz called Pinto's family to offer his support and Sunday morning he dedicated the upcoming game to the young boy.

Via @TeamVic:

"My sincerest condolences to the entire Pinto family. My prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time," Cruz tweeted. "Today's game is for you Jack."

Victor Cruz wrote a customized message for six-year-old Jack Pinto.

Cruz is clearly playing with a heavy heart on Sunday.

While Atlanta's 34-0 rout wasn't what Cruz had in mind, ESPN's Rachel Nichols tweeted after the game that Cruz plans to drive to Newtown this week to give his cleats and gloves to Pinto's family.

Cruz's gesture is the latest in a number of remembrances by athletes and other figures throughout the sports world.

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