Chiefs teammates, NFL players react to Jovan Belcher murder-suicide

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Chiefs players, staff and even the city's mayor are all reeling from the news that linebacker Jovan Belcher killed his girlfriend before killing himself Saturday morning.

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His teammates took to Twitter to share their thoughts. 

Tamba Hali: "I am devastated by this mornings events. I want to send my thoughts and prayers out to everyone effected by this tragedy."

Dexter McCluster: "Times like this you have to pray!!! I love you man, brothers for life!!!! # chiefs "

Kendrick Lewis: "Forever in our heart! Love you bro..May God be with both families! Thoughts and Prayers go up."

Martin Rucker tweeted about people forgetting athlete are people, too: crazy wht people will say 2/about athletes an how bad they bash us. And it takes a moment lik this 4 ppl 2 step bak an realize wer jus ppl 2"

Tony Moeaki: "Devastated. One of everyone's favorite teammates including one of mine. Great great great teammate. We will miss him forever." He later clarified: "For the people that misunderstood my intention.. I was talking as far as a teammate standpoint. I'm devastated for everyone involved."

Jeff Allen: "I am devastated and heart broken. I'm sending prayers out to everyone involved. Always show love and never be afraid to talk. #Valuelife"

Tim Tebow weighed in on the events as well: "Wow... Unbelievable tragedy. My prayers go out to the entire Chiefs organization and their families."

University of Missouri football coach Gary Pinkel also expressed his sympathy on Twitter: "Thoughts and prayers from the # Mizzou Football Family to the # Chiefs Family. GP"

Kansas City Mayor Sly James tweeted that fans should wear red to show their support for the team: "Now is the time to show compassion for those involved and unity as a caring city. If you have # Chiefs red, wear it to show we are ... United in our grief over loss of a young soul & that we put aside thought of records 2 support the families,teammates, children left behind!

We need to reflect on the loss of these lives just like the lives of a hundred others lost in this city this year. All are equal& tragic."

RELATED | Who was Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher? http://bit.ly/SCp63I

Chiefs owner Clark Hunt released the following statement Saturday afternoon:

"The entire Chiefs family is deeply saddened by today's events, and our collective hearts are heavy with sympathy, thoughts and prayers for the families and friends affected by this unthinkable tragedy. We sincerely appreciate the expressions of sympathy and support we have received from so many in the Kansas City and NFL communities, and ask for continued prayers for the loved ones of those impacted."

We will continue to fully cooperate with the authorities and work to ensure that the appropriate counseling resources are available to all members of the organization.”

Stay with KSHB.com for updates.