“Storm of Unity: Insights “SIGNIFICANT” Hurricane Milton Brings Tampa Bay Buccaneers Together!”

The outlook for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ mini-bye week took a dramatic turn this week. What was supposed to be a weekend of recovery quickly turned into chaos as Hurricane Milton intensified, prompting evacuations in Western Florida. The Buccaneers’ players, staff, and their families headed to New Orleans, where they will stay ahead of Sunday’s divisional game against the Saints.

On Wednesday, head coach Todd Bowles shared that the team initially contemplated evacuating to Houston, but ultimately chose New Orleans to minimize travel time. The Buccaneers are practicing at Tulane University’s football stadium this week. Bowles and his team are maintaining their regular practice and meeting schedule to keep some sense of normalcy. Players, staff, and their families are housed in a nearby hotel provided by the team.

“Most of [the players] have family here with them, so that’s a significant comfort,” Bowles said. “They can concentrate on football. We recognize that what we do on the field is just one small part of life, especially in light of how this hurricane will impact so many. We’re focused and preparing for the game. Everyone is here with their families, which makes things a lot easier.”

The looming storm has not only brought disruption but has also strengthened the bond within this already close-knit team.

“Moments like this really unite the team. Spending extra time with our families while at work and experiencing this together definitely helps us grow closer as a group. It’s chaotic, and we’re keeping Tampa Bay in our thoughts. This is an incredibly tough situation for all of us,” cornerback Zyon McCollum shared.

McCollum has been using the additional time at the hotel to study for the Saints, a crucial game for the Buccaneers following a hard-fought loss to the Falcons. A victory would boost the Bucs to 4-2, keeping them in second place in the division, just one loss away from taking the top spot. Conversely, a defeat would drop them to 3-3 and third in the NFC South. Despite the challenging circumstances, the team’s preparation remains strong.

“Honestly, I probably have more time to prepare,” McCollum noted. “I don’t have to drive home every day; I’m already at the hotel. If I have a late-night question, I can just knock on someone’s door and get the answer right away.”