Half a dozen Denver Broncos visited with survivors of the Colorado theater shooting to help raise some spirits on Sunday.

What is now known as the "Aurora Massacre" took place this past Friday in a movie theater during the premiere of "The Dark Knight Rises". During the movie, gunman James Holmes in full riot gear opened fire and struck a total of 58 people, 12 were killed.

A group of Broncos players visited with five patients at the Medical Center of Aurora to lend a measure of comfort during this time of sorrow.

"What we were trying to do was go in there, show support and try to put a smile on these people's faces. But the thing is, they put a smile on our faces," linebacker Joe Mays said.

"They had such positive attitudes. They knew they were blessed to live and they knew they were going to have another chance to walk about with their families."

Mays was joined by linemen Ryan Clady, Chris Kuper and Ben Garland, receiver Eric Decker, tight end Jacob Tamme and former teammate Brian Dawkins, who retired earlier this year.

Quarterback Peyton Manning also called four patients who were taken to the Medical Center of Aurora on Sunday.

Manning signed with the Broncos this year after missing the 2011 season with a nerve problem in his neck that weakened his throwing arm.The Broncos start training camp Wednesday.