As Hurricane Milton charged toward Florida's west coast, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced more than just the usual game day pressures. Players and coaches alike had to balance their professional responsibilities with the personal turmoil that comes with a natural disaster. While practicing at Tulane University and preparing for Sunday’s big game against the Saints, their minds were undoubtedly with their families back in Tampa Bay, as they braced for what could be one of the most devastating storms of the season.
Chaos in the Wake of a Storm
It’s hard to comprehend the level of uncertainty that lingered as strong winds and rising waters threatened their homes. The Bucs organization quickly mobilized, securing over 200 hotel rooms in Gainesville, Orlando, and other cities for players and their families. Safety became the number one priority, and while the team tried to maintain a sense of normalcy, it was clear this week was far from routine.
Baker Mayfield, the team’s quarterback, put it best when he said, “A lot of prayer.” It was all they could do as they faced the unknown. No one could stop the storm, and while some may have taken precautions to safeguard their homes, nature has a way of showing how little control we truly have.
A Quick Exodus: The Team's Evacuation
The decision to evacuate came swiftly on Tuesday, as the team packed up and left for New Orleans. It wasn’t just a simple travel day—it was an orchestrated effort to relocate an entire franchise along with their families, pets, and even belongings. The logistics were nothing short of a Herculean task, especially given that the storm had just begun its approach. Senior operations director Tim Jarocki and senior operations coordinator Zach Orth worked tirelessly to ensure the team's smooth transition. In fact, head coach Todd Bowles was quick to credit their behind-the-scenes efforts, saying, “Tim has been on the phone with hotels in every state, trying to make sure not only the team is OK but the families are OK.” It’s clear that without their efforts, the situation could have been much worse.
A Challenging Routine Amid the Crisis
Despite the chaotic nature of the evacuation, the Bucs tried to stick to their usual schedule as much as possible. They held practice at Tulane University, and meetings took place in the ballrooms of their hotel. “Everything went smoothly,” Bowles commented. However, the underlying tension was undeniable. Players like Mike Evans and Zyon McCollum, who had lived through hurricanes in their hometown of Galveston, Texas, understood the importance of keeping their families safe. Evans, in particular, shared some advice, saying, “Make sure that your family is safe… and do all the little things you can do around your house to make sure your house comes out as good as possible.”
Evans and McCollum weren’t just speaking from a place of concern; they were speaking from experience. They had been through similar situations, and their empathy for their teammates and community shone through. In times of crisis, there’s a sense of camaraderie that goes beyond the locker room. The team's actions exemplified this, prioritizing the safety of their loved ones while still preparing for their upcoming game.
The Reality of the Aftermath
What comes after a hurricane can be just as harrowing as the storm itself. Mayfield acknowledged that for many people, it could be days or even weeks before they return to their homes or have electricity restored. “Not expecting anybody really to have power,” Mayfield said, referring to the uncertainty that comes after such disasters. His statement highlights the reality of living in hurricane-prone areas where the effects of the storm can linger long after the winds have calmed and the water has receded.
Still, the Bucs knew that their job wasn’t over. Even though the storm loomed large in their minds, they had to focus on their matchup against the Saints. With so much hanging in the balance, the team knew that a win on Sunday could provide a much-needed morale boost for the people of Florida. “This could be the sort of Sunday to give the people of Florida and especially in our area some hope,” Mayfield explained. While football might seem trivial in the face of a natural disaster, sports have a unique way of bringing people together and offering a sense of normalcy during tough times.
Overcoming Adversity on the Field and Off
The storm disrupted more than just practice schedules. It affected the rhythm that players rely on to prepare for games. As Mayfield pointed out, players are creatures of habit. The shift in routine—having to leave their homes, change practice locations, and alter game preparations—was a significant challenge. But the Bucs are no strangers to adversity. Last season, they started off strong with a 3-1 record, only to lose six of their next seven games before pulling off a miraculous NFC South victory with a 9-8 record. Mayfield reflected on that resilience, noting, “That’s the biggest difference for us, but we just have to deal with it. There’s no way around it, so just find a way to make it work.”
Moving Forward: Preparing for a Return to Tampa
Once the storm subsides, the Bucs will face another challenge—returning to Tampa Bay and dealing with the aftermath. Bowles emphasized that the team is prepared to keep their operations away from the area if necessary, but for now, the plan is to return after Sunday’s game. The uncertainty doesn’t stop when the winds die down. The long road to recovery is just beginning, and the team knows they must be adaptable.
The gravity of the situation is not lost on the players or coaches. While they focus on football, the real concern is the safety and well-being of their families and community. Winning a football game is important, but as Mayfield said, “We obviously have a job to do, and we’re going to do that. The games are still going to be played. But that’s the hardest thing—just making sure that everybody is good and just praying and hoping for the best.”
Conclusion: The Power of Resilience
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ preparation for Sunday’s game against the Saints has been anything but ordinary. Evacuating their homes, ensuring the safety of their families, and adapting to new routines have made this week one of the most challenging yet. But in true Buccaneer fashion, the team is pushing through, with hope for their community and a determination to succeed on the field. Even in the face of Hurricane Milton, the Bucs have shown that resilience is not just a word—it’s a way of life. And this Sunday, they’ll be playing for more than just a win—they’ll be playing for their families, their homes, and the entire state of Florida.
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