On Monday, the Buccaneers announced the launch of their player-led Buccaneers Youth Leadership Program which enters its fourth year. The program is part of the team's Social Justice Initiative, a player-inspired program created in 2018 with a $1,000,000 commitment by the Glazer family to break barriers and cultivate racial/social equality. Members of the 2023-24 Social Justice Player Board are current Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr., defensive lineman Will Gholston, cornerback Carlton Davis III, guard Nick Leverett and former Bucs guard Ali Marpet.
Monday served as the first session in the program's history in collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, which provided enhanced mentorship instruction to ensure the program fosters a compelling and meaningful impact on youth. Additionally, the 2023-24 program will double the number of students from 25 to 50, with 25 participants from Young Middle Magnet School and Webb Middle School, respectively. As a result, the number of mentors doubled to 50, comprised of a blend of Buccaneers players, staff and "Bigs with Badges" from the Tampa Police Department.
"It's just a big way to pay it forward," said Nick Leverett. "It can spark the kids' minds. The kids are the next generation. To be able to give back, spend time with them, let them know that we are Bucs players, but we are human just like them. You know, just give them that love."
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers launched the fourth year of our player-led Youth Leadership Program, collaborating with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay, Safe & Sound Hillsborough, and Habitat for Humanity.