Just because it's the offseason doesn't mean the Buccaneers took time off from helping out in the community. Though a lot of players call other places home, many made a point to get involved in the Bay area during their free time. Quarterback Jameis Winston took a break from his offseason training to host over 100 underserved youth for a private movie screening as well as taking part in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's charity walk. Wide receiver Chris Godwin participated in the Humane Society of Tampa Bay's Bark in the Park. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation also supported various flag football efforts and through the Social Justice Fund, matched a scholarship contribution made by a former Bucs player at the University of South Florida.
Take a look below at more events the Buccaneers and their players took part in around Tampa Bay.
-Offensive linemen Evan Smith and Ryan Jensen greeted military families for the General H Norman Schwarzkopf Military Family Awards held at AdventHealth Training Center (above). The awards honor a family from each branch of the military for their integrity, courage, commitment and service before self. It's a wonderful way to recognize the driving force behind servicemen and women that are on the frontlines.
-Quarterback Jameis Winston and his Dream Forever Foundation rented out a local theater for 100 kids from the CDC Tampa, Boys and Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay and The Skills Center for a private screening of the movie Shazam! Winston was on hand to talk to kids before the movie and hand out popcorn and drinks.
Winston also participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's walk with his fiancée Breion. Winston has been involved with JDRF for years and has previously represented the organization on his cleats for the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats initiative.
-Defensive lineman Beau Allen read to preschoolers in St. Petersburg after helping to donate 4,500 books to Bay area children. The effort stemmed from a charitable wager made with former teammate Chris Long and his literacy program that's part of his foundation. Long matched Allen's donation to the First Book program and in turn, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation Social Justice Fund matched Allen's donation as well. To celebrate, Allen read Beauty and the Beast and Green Eggs and Ham to students at North East Park Preschool. It was part of four such book distributions across the country, resulting in 27,600 donated books in total.
-Offensive lineman Donovan Smith participated in the Florida Aquarium's Day of Discovery that brought sensory-friendly experiences to local children. Smith has been very active in his efforts to help aid autism research and children with autism, especially.
-Wide receiver Chris Godwin and his girlfriend Mariah helped host a Bark in the Park event at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park to benefit the Humane Society in Tampa Bay. 15/10 for all doggos in attendance.
-Center Ryan Jensen participated in the Jabil Cares annual Poker Tournament. He played rounds of Texas Hold 'Em to help fundraise for the Jabil Cares foundation.
-Offensive lineman Alex Cappa and wide receiver KJ Brent participated in the Special Olympics Florida's Sunshine Bowl, playing games with young athletes at Raymond James Stadium. Quarterback Jameis Winston also recorded a video message for those in attendance.
-The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation supported Jr. Bucs flag football initiatives all around the Bay Area, visiting local schools and putting on flag football clinics. The foundation launched the area’s first-ever girls flag football league and also hosted a girls flag football tournament to help kick off the flag football season at the high school level right here at AdventHealth Training Center.
-The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation Social Justice Fund announced a $15,000 gift to match Buccaneers Legend Jerry Bell’s contribution to the now-named BLN Bell Family Endowed Scholarship at the second-annual BLN Soiree at the University of South Florida.
What's on Deck:
-Offensive Lineman Donovan Smith his hosting a charity bowling tournament on May 13 that benefits Autism Speaks
