Throughout the history of the NFL there has never been a team that has qualified for a Super Bowl hosted in their home city. This changed in 2021 when Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to reach the big game. This miraculous accomplishment reached new heights when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won the Super Bowl at their home stadium! 2020-2021 had been an unprecedented year, requiring flexibility, perseverance and team-work. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to overcome adversity associated with the COVID-19 pandemic to come together as a team and accomplish their collective goals. Similarly, the USF EM family (and all medical professionals) had to join together and deal with the adversity associated with learning and practicing medicine during a world-wide pandemic. 

The NFL invited 7500 vaccinated health care workers to the Super Bowl and many members of our program had the opportunity to attend. Throughout Super Bowl week, numerous NFL experience events were set up throughout downtown Tampa Bay including, but not limited to, a Super Bowl memorabilia display, football drill obstacle courses and a 40-yard dash. Several of our senior residents had the privilege to work and supply medical care at the medical tents set up at the NFL experience as well as the game itself. The Super Bowl was an amazing event and we are lucky to have had the opportunity to participate in it. 

As part of the NFL’s healthcare heroes initiative there was a pre-game Miley Cyrus concert featuring Billy Idol with complimentary food and beverages from local Tampa Bay vendors. After the pregame, the healthcare heroes walked to Raymond James Stadium where we were welcomed by staff with applause and excitement. Seats were assigned at random, but I was lucky enough to have a great seat near midfield in the lower bowl. The big game had all the energy and exhilaration expected in the Super Bowl including a passionate National Anthem, big name celebrities and the unforgettable Half-Time performance from The Weeknd. Even our own Tampa General COVID ICU nurse, Suzie, was selected as one of the three honorary captains and was asked to perform the Super Bowl coin toss. The NFL truly made all the healthcare workers feel appreciated as they acknowledged us and cheered us on almost as much as the players! Being able to attend and watch our home team in the Super Bowl was an amazing adventure and the NFL made sure it was a once in a lifetime experience! Thank you to the NFL and all the healthcare heroes out there for all that you do! The USF EM family was honored to have been invited and work at the 2021 Super Bowl! Go Bucs! 

Written by Dr. Bryan Hyman, PGY-2 USF Emergency Medicine

Edited and formatted by Dr. Michael Weaver, PGY-2 USF Emergency Medicine