The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have taken their families away to New Orleans as they prepare for Sunday’s game against the Saints away from the effects of Hurricane Milton.
The Tampa Bay area has been hit by the storm, with more than 2.6 million homes and businesses without power across Florida, and roof panels of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball stadium were ripped to shreds on Wednesday night
After training in New Orleans on Wednesday, Bucs players and coaches boarded buses to return to hotel rooms being shared with family members and pets.
“Family is the most important thing right now. If you can get your family out and keep them safe, everything else can be replaced,” coach Todd Bowles said.
“We understand the things we do in football are a small part in the game of life and how a hurricane is going to affect people,” he said. “Everybody is here, and their families are here. That makes it a lot easier.”
Stay safe, Florida. 🙏#WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/BNufxXds4Z
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) October 9, 2024
The Glazer family, which owns the Bucs, chartered two planes for a travelling party of about 350 people and 31 pets.
Receiver Mike Evans, who’s in his 11th season, grew up in Galveston, Texas, and is not a stranger to the dangers of hurricanes.
“I just want everybody to be safe at the end of the day,” Evans said.
“We obviously have a job to do, so we’re going to do that. The games are still going to be played.
“The hardest thing is just making sure everybody is good, then just praying and hoping for the best.”
The Bucs currently are planning to return to Florida after Sunday’s game, although Bowles confirmed the team has discussed contingency plans that might keep players and their families away longer.
