As the death toll following the devastating 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Japan continues to rise and the aftermath just begins, athletes throughout the country offered thoughts and prayers for the millions of affected people.

Former Florida quarterback and current Denver Bronco Tim Tebow, who has spoken extensively throughout his career regarding his religious beliefs, offered up his support on Twitter:
@TimTebow: Hey everyone, please keep the people that are being affected by the massive earthquake near Japan in your prayers. #Psalm46:1

Controversial wide receiver Chad Ochocinco chose to go about his remarks in a different manner, offering prayers in more than one language:
@ochocinco: God Bless those in Japan, our prayers are with you
@ochocinco: 【JR東日本HP】東北地方太平洋沖地震による輸送障害等について。2011年3月11日に発生した東北地方太平洋沖地震により、JR東日本管内の新幹線、首都圏、東北エリアについては、本日は運転いたしません #prayforjapan

Former Syracuse basketball star and current New York Knick Andy Rautins also expressed his feelings about the disaster:
@andyrautins1: Thoughts and prayers to those in Japan who've been devastated by the earthquake.. Unreal what is happening out there :/ #prayforjapan

New York Jets defensive tackle Sione Pouha, who lives in Hawaii, responded to numerous tweets from concerned fans:
@Pouha91: We are safe up in the mountains but thoughts go out to our brothers and sisters in Japan.

In Port St. Lucie at New York Mets spring training, ESPN's Mets beat writer Adam Rubin spoke to pitcher Ryota Igarashi throughout the day about his family's safety:
@AdamRubinESPN: Interpreter Mike Peters says Ryota Igarashi believes his family is OK in Japan, but they haven't spoken because family doesn't do email.
@AdamRubinESPN: Igarashi has now communicated with his family in Japan and everyone is OK.

Click here to read about Boston Red Sox Japanese pitchers Daisuke Matsuzaka and Hideki Okajima.

--Zach Wallens