The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, currently practicing at Tulane University in New Orleans ahead of Hurricane Milton, were deeply concerned about the hurricane’s impact on their home area, some 685 miles away. The team, forced to evacuate to New Orleans due to the approaching storm, was acutely aware of the severity of the situation. This marked the first direct hit on the area by a major hurricane since 1921.
Players like quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans reflected on the seriousness of the situation, prioritizing the safety of their families and communities over football. They expressed that the larger concern was protecting loved ones rather than focusing solely on the upcoming game.
This was not the first encounter with severe weather for many of the players. Just ten days earlier, Hurricane Helene had swept through Florida, impacting the Big Bend area. Though not as devastating as Milton was predicted to be, Helene still left significant destruction, including debris scattered throughout the affected regions.
As Milton approached, it was expected to make landfall as a Category 3 storm, with winds potentially reaching 120 mph and storm surges up to 12 feet. The team expressed anxiety about the potential damage, especially to Tampa Bay, where about 3 million people live.
Mike Evans, who had evacuated with his family, emphasized the importance of safety over football. While the team was preparing to play their game, Evans acknowledged that the hardest part was being away from home during such a critical time. He hoped that everyone would be safe and secure, and though the game was still a focus, the uncertainty of the hurricane weighed heavily on the players.
Cornerback Zyon McCollum, who had experienced hurricanes growing up in Galveston, Texas, also urged residents to heed evacuation warnings, stressing the severity of the storm surge, which could cause significant flooding.
Despite the turmoil, Mayfield did his best to compartmentalize his worries, ensuring the safety of his family and home while preparing for the upcoming game. The team had already been active in supporting relief efforts for the recent Hurricane Helene, with Mayfield and Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins donating $100,000 for disaster relief.
However, as Milton approached, Mayfield recognized that the need for help would only increase, and he hoped the game could provide some hope and distraction for those affected. He acknowledged, though, that many in Florida would likely be without power, and watching the game may not be an option for most.
Coach Todd Bowles shared the team’s ongoing concerns about Tampa’s safety and potential travel challenges. The Buccaneers were scheduled to host a game against the Ravens on October 21, but Bowles indicated that the team was exploring contingency plans in case it wasn’t safe to return home.
While the team remained focused on their immediate task of preparing for their next game, they were fully aware that the situation in Florida was rapidly evolving, and they were ready to make necessary adjustments depending on the storm’s impact. The uncertainty of the situation loomed large over their preparations.
