Tampa Bay has been hit hard, but its community leaders are stepping up in a big way. In a matter of just 18 days, the city endured the wrath of two major storms, Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, causing widespread devastation. Yet, amidst the chaos, the Buccaneers football team made it clear they stand with the people of Tampa.
Buccaneers owner Joel Glazer and his family swiftly responded with action. Following Hurricane Helene, the Glazers donated $1 million to local relief agencies helping those affected. Just days later, Hurricane Milton hit the state, and Glazer, once again, acted quickly. Through the Buccaneers’ official website, he announced an additional $1 million in donations to support nonprofits providing aid to those in need. But the team’s support didn’t stop there. Quarterback Baker Mayfield also showed his solidarity with the community.
Mayfield took to Instagram, sharing a Tampa Bay Times article that outlined ways to help those impacted by the storms. Along with the post, he added a powerful two-word message: “Tampa Strong.” Though it’s not known how much Mayfield himself donated, his message resonated with the community. He urged his fans to contribute whatever they could—be it food, money, or other forms of aid—to help those struggling in the wake of the hurricanes.
The Buccaneers have consistently shown their commitment to their city, not just through financial contributions but also in how they play the game. Despite all the disruption caused by the storms, the team remained focused on both football and their community. They traveled to New Orleans to take on the Saints, even though many of their thoughts were still with the families and businesses back home dealing with the aftermath.
Baker Mayfield led the Buccaneers to a 51-27 victory over the Saints, throwing for 325 yards and four touchdowns. However, the game was far from easy. Mayfield threw three interceptions in the second quarter that could have turned the game around, but the team rallied together to secure the win. It was a game that reflected not only the resilience of the Buccaneers but also that of the Tampa Bay community.
After the victory, Mayfield addressed the media, speaking not just about the game but also about the city’s hardships. “I think today was just a team embodying and embracing everything that everybody’s going through. Ups and downs, trying to handle it the best way you can, fight through it and find a way to make it work. That’s life. Obviously a natural disaster is not easy to deal with — you find a way to make it work, you overcome and you come together. That’s what this group did today.” His words were a clear acknowledgment that the fight on the field mirrored the challenges facing Tampa’s residents.
The impact of the storms has been devastating. Hurricane Milton alone claimed fourteen lives and left more than a million people without power. Entire towns were flooded, and countless homes and businesses were damaged beyond recognition. The pain and loss felt throughout Florida are immeasurable, but moments like the Buccaneers’ win provided a brief reprieve from the overwhelming sadness.
Head coach Todd Bowles also reflected on the situation, recognizing that for many, football was a much-needed distraction from the harsh reality. “The game gave people a chance to smile for a few hours,” Bowles said, but he also stressed that for him and the team, the most important takeaway was family. “Family comes first, and everything else is replaceable.”
The Glazer family, true to Bowles’ words, went above and beyond. They not only provided financial support but also ensured the safety of 300 family members and their pets, helping them evacuate to safer areas. Meanwhile, Buccaneers players stayed informed about the situation back home, relying on news updates, social media, and neighbors to monitor their properties and loved ones. The team had been evacuated to New Orleans earlier in the week to continue practicing at Tulane University while the storms raged on in Florida.
The Buccaneers’ response to the crisis—both on and off the field—has been nothing short of remarkable. Their generosity, resilience, and focus on community show the power of sports in uniting people, especially in times of hardship. The Glazer family’s donations and Mayfield’s rallying cry remind us all that, in the face of disaster, Tampa Bay will stay strong.
