Newtown parents thankful for Ravens' support

Sandy Hook victim families appreciate support from Ravens' organization, especially Chris Johnson.

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The parents of a girl killed in the Newtown school shooting said Friday they have been touched by support from the Baltimore Ravens, who have been reaching out to help the family during their playoff run to the Super Bowl.

Bob and Michele Gay, who are originally from Maryland, are the parents of 7-year-old Josephine, who died in the Dec. 14 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The family said they attended the Jan. 6 playoff game in Baltimore against the Indianapolis Colts through the generosity of Ravens cornerback Chris Johnson, who gave them a team jersey with Josephine's name and the number 7, for her age.

"He provided a great opportunity for us to be back home with our people in Baltimore," Michele Gay said.

The team also hung a memorial banner for their daughter at the stadium and gave pins to team employees with Josephine's name, Bob Gay said.

Josephine, who was born in Maryland four months before the family moved to Connecticut, developed an affinity for all things purple as she grew up in a family of Ravens fans.

The Ravens are facing the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. As they watch Sunday's game with friends, Bob Gay said they will be wearing Ravens colors.

"We're all going to wear purple and think of Joey," he said. "We're huge Ravens' fans. We've supported the team for many years."

Josephine was among 20 children killed inside their elementary school in Newtown. The gunman also slaughtered six educators before committing suicide.