New to the Game, Strong in the Fight

For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie class, learning new things is part of the job — new playbooks, new teammates, new challenges. But on Oct. 12, 16 rookies, including Tez Johnson, JJ Roberts and Ben Morrison, took on learning something a little different: the power of connection. 

The krewe visited patients at Moffitt McKinley Hospital and the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Outpatient Center at McKinley Campus, bringing smiles, laughter and a boost of Buccaneers spirit to everyone they met. From sharing stories to signing autographs, the players reminded patients that teamwork extends far beyond the field. 

The day ended with a stop at Moffitt’s Child Development Center, where the rookies joined the kids for a freeze dance, ball toss and plenty of joyful chaos with their new tiny teammates. 

Each group — rookies, patients and toddlers — is learning something new about resilience, courage and hope. And the best part? When they all come together, everyone wins. 

Benjamin Chukwuma gives a flag to a patient.

Bucs Rookies visit a patient at the hospital.

The Bucs cheerleaders also visited with patients.

Defensive lineman Elijah Simmons meets a patient.

The visit brightened the day for patients and families.

Patients received autographed flags.

The rookies stopped by the Child Development Center.

Tez Johnson played basketball with the children.

Defensive tackle Vita Vea surprised everyone!

Moffitt staff also enjoyed the visit.