NFL holds moment of silence for four killed in NYC shooting - ESPN

CANTON, Ohio — The NFL season kicked off at the annual Hall of Fame Game Thursday night with a moment of silence for the four people killed earlier this week by a shooter who was targeting league headquarters in New York.

The gunman also wounded a league employee in the shooting Monday night. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell told NBC he visited the employee for an hour on Wednesday and said the man was improving.

«It's just heartbreaking for all of us. It's devastating,» Goodell said. «An amazing young man, and so we're optimistic about his recovery and I think that's good news for all of us in the NFL and obviously our hearts continue to be in support with the family. I think it is something that is really hard for all of us to understand and to deal with.»

Goodell stayed in New York to attend the funeral for police officer Didarul Islam, who was killed in the shooting.

«It hits home, the loss, the unnecessary and unexplainable loss, and it's something all of us, you know, as New Yorkers feel great pride in the NYPD and what they do, and all the first responders,» Goodell said. «So it was a difficult, emotional afternoon, but also a tremendous, heartwarming service.»

There was increased security around Tom Benson Stadium, where Eric Allen, Jared Allen, Antonio Gates and Sterling Sharpe will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday.

«That's real life, and it's unfortunate that we live in a space right now that's a possibility and it's becoming a situation where if you're a parent, that's the first thing you think about is workplace safety for your child or for your loved ones,» Eric Allen told The Associated Press. «And for it to specifically be the National Football League, the opening week is tonight,