Buccaneers Evacuate to New Orleans as Hurricane Milton Approaches
In an unexpected twist to their season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have relocated to New Orleans, retreating ahead of the formidable Hurricane Milton. This temporary move comes as a safety measure, allowing the team to continue their preparations at Tulane University amidst the looming threat of nature’s wrath.
This is the first time Tampa Bay has had a direct encounter with a hurricane of such magnitude since 1921, and the anticipation of Category 3 winds reaching up to 120 mph demands caution. The storm is expected to unleash a storm surge as high as 12 feet, threatening the livelihoods and safety of approximately 3 million residents in its projected path. The scenario presents a critical concern and has pushed the Buccaneers, led by Coach Todd Bowles, to prioritize their safety above all.
While the team is focused on maintaining their momentum on the field, Bowles acknowledges the surrounding uncertainties. “We are talking about it. We hope we don’t have to, [but] we will see what happens the next couple of days and then we will adjust accordingly,” he stated, highlighting the clear-eyed pragmatism needed in such unpredictable conditions.
The move comes on the heels of Hurricane Helene's recent havoc as a Category 4 storm impacting Florida’s Gulf Coast just ten days prior. In the wake of these consecutive calamitous events, the Buccaneers find themselves playing not just for the glory of the game, but for something much larger. As star wide receiver Mike Evans poignantly noted, “We’re not even just playing for just football now. We’re trying to play for something a little bit bigger.”
It's not just the game that's on the Buccaneers' minds. Several key players have stepped up beyond the gridiron to assist in hurricane relief efforts. Quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kirk Cousins have made headlines not only with their play, but also for their generosity, jointly donating $100,000 to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Mayfield underscored the feeling of the moment with his reflective, “A lot of prayer, a lot of prayer,” showcasing the profound connection between the players and the communities they serve.
Evans, along with players like Zyon McCollum, is ensuring that safety remains top-of-mind as the team advocates for public awareness regarding evacuation protocols. “Mother Nature is not one to be played with. The flooding will probably be the biggest thing that I’ve been trying to tell people,” McCollum warned, emphasizing the serious risks beyond wind damage.
Looking forward, the Buccaneers are slated to host the Baltimore Ravens on October 21, assuming conditions stabilize post-Milton. However, safety concerns echo through the halls of their temporary New Orleans base. Bowles and his team remain vigilant, committed to making any necessary alterations to their schedule if the storm’s aftermath affects their plans.
As Florida braces itself again within a span of a few weeks, Mayfield sees a sliver of hope through the game itself. “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,” he described, underscoring the unifying power of sports amidst turmoil.
The Buccaneers find themselves at the intersection of sporting endeavor and humanitarian need, navigating through pressures both on and off the field. As preparations continue in New Orleans, the spirit of the team and the support of its players extend beyond the playbook, reaching out to the community that loyally stands by them in every season.