Bucs Rally Together Amid Hurricane Turmoil: Playing for More Than Just Football

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers concluded their first of three practice sessions at Tulane University in New Orleans—where they evacuated in anticipation of Hurricane Milton—troubling conditions started to unfold back home in Florida. At a staggering 685 miles away, the Buccaneers' home turf is bracing for what would be the first direct hit from a major hurricane since 1921.

This historic storm hasn’t gone unnoticed among the players and coaches, as quarterback Baker Mayfield expressed the need for collective strength in a video call with reporters, saying, "A lot of prayer, a lot of prayer." Wide receiver Mike Evans amplified that sentiment, emphasizing, "We're not even just playing for just football now. We're trying to play for something a little bit bigger."

Just ten days prior, the Florida Gulf Coast felt the force of Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, which prompted several athletes, including Mayfield, to evacuate from coastal homes. While areas further north experienced severe damage, the impact extended to the communities around Tampa, where debris and destruction still litter the streets as Hurricane Milton approaches.

The imminent storm is projected to touch down as a Category 3, targeting one of the most densely populated regions in Florida, affecting around 3 million residents from Tampa Bay to Siesta Key. In this critical time, Evans shared his worries for his loved ones: "I just want everybody to be safe... The hardest thing is just making sure that everybody is okay."

Taking cues from his Texas upbringing, cornerback Zyon McCollum, who also knows the dangers posed by hurricanes, urged locals to heed evacuation orders, warning of potentially devastating winds of up to 120 mph and hazardous storm surges reaching 12 feet. "Mother Nature is not one to be played with," McCollum cautioned. "It's not just the rain, but the surge that is most dangerous."

Compartmentalizing his concerns, Mayfield has ensured his family's safety and home security while aiming to focus on football. Just last week, he and Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins generously donated $100,000 to aid victims of Hurricane Helene—an act that now feels especially poignant in light of the upcoming storm. "This could be a sort of Sunday to give the people of Florida, especially around our area, some hope and something to look forward to watching," said Mayfield, acknowledging that many fans might lose power during the game.

Coach Todd Bowles informed reporters that the team is already considering alternative plans should travel to Tampa become unsafe after their game against the Ravens on October 21. "We are talking about it. We hope we don’t have to, but we’ll see what happens in the next couple of days," Bowles stated, showing the team’s commitment to prioritizing safety amid unforeseen challenges.

As the Buccaneers prepare for their upcoming game, it’s clear they are locked in on a mission bigger than just football—one involving the safety and resilience of their community during these turbulent times. Will their determination to uplift the spirits of Floridians be enough to inspire hope as they face Mother Nature head-on? Only time will tell, but fans and families alike will be watching the unfolding drama closely.