DeMarcus Ware watched his native Alabama get ravaged by a series of tornadoes earlier this week.
The former Cowboys and Broncos star then decided to help the area deal with the aftermath.
Ware donated $10,000 to help cover funeral costs for the 23 people killed in Beauregard, the deadliest tornado hit in the United States since May 2013.
"When I heard the news, I didn't know where to start, I just knew I had to do something," Ware said, according to WSFA 12 News. "We are coming up on 'DeMarcus Ware Day' [April 19] in the state of Alabama, and when that proclamation was declared three years ago, I made a vow to always do my part to protect 'Sweet Home Alabama.'"
Ware promised he'd provide more relief to the area in the coming weeks.
"All things considered, this donation is small in comparison to the devastating feeling of burying a loved one," he said. "I look forward to making an even bigger impact in the weeks to come as relief needs continue to be assessed."
Lee County Coroner Bill Harris told WSFA that the money will be donated to the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation and will cover the cost for grave markers.
Ware, 36, was born in Auburn and attended high school there, about 10 miles from Beauregard.
