Retired NFL running back Giovani Bernard's family experienced a devastating tragedy this month ... revealing their newborn son passed away.
32-year-old Bernard announced the heartbreaking news on Wednesday ... sharing his grief with an emotional message to his child.
"You were loved from the moment we learned of your presence, spoken too [sic] daily and prayed for by many," the former Bengals and Buccaneers player said. "Your heart was strong and you were so playful from the moment we were able to lay eyes on you.