The deadly tornado that ravaged an Oklahoma City suburb has stirred reaction across the nation. Among those reacting were NFL officials and current and former players with close ties to the city.
Monday's massive tornado moved through Moore, which is in the southern part of Oklahoma City. It killed at least 50 people, including nine children. It's been reported that the tornado was nearly two miles wide and 22 miles long. Its wind peak ranged from 200 to 210 miles per hour -- making it an EF5 category tornado, the most powerful category, the National Weather Service said. At least 10,000 people reportedly were directly impacted by the tornado, and nearly 2,400 homes were damaged, according to the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management.
Recovery efforts currently are under way.
Here are a few stories of current and former players affected by the tornado:
Legendary running back Barry Sanders, who played college ball at Oklahoma State, was in Oklahoma when the tornado hit. He came away unscathed and returned to Detroit shortly after.
Chicago Bears rookie Tress Way is eager to return to Oklahoma to lend a helping hand. Way, a Tulsa native, attended the University of Oklahoma, a mere five minutes away from the town impacted most by the tornado.
Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey had one friend affected by the tornado. Bailey said the tornado reminded him of plenty of times spent in a storm shelter with his parents.
A handful of Cowboys players were affected. Dan Bailey, Joseph Randle and Dez Bryant attended Oklahoma State. James Hanna and DeMarco Murray attended Oklahoma. The devastating tornado is hard to ignore, especially when it hits so close to home.
The Indianapolis Colts have pledged their support for tornado victims and their recovery efforts. The Colts also announced that owner and CEO Jim Irsay will match all donations made to the Red Cross, up to $25,000.
Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith is thankful for his family's safety in the aftermath of the tornado. Smith said other than property damage, everybody was doing OK.
