TAMPA, Fla. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers put on their pads for the first time of this year's camp, and they took time to honor military men and women who have served the country.
For some families, it goes beyond football. The Bucs have made them feel like a part of the Tampa Bay community.
What You Need To Know
- Buccaneers paid tribute to military service members and their families Monday
- It was the first day in pads at their training camp
- Major Kenneth Hicks said the moves help make Tampa Bay feel more like home
- The Bucs coach and players say the day is a way to thank those who serve
Major Kenneth Hicks has dedicated 10 years to the U.S. Air Force, and he's moved more times than he can count.
But Monday marked a first.
"This is really cool, this is my first time at a training camp," said Hicks, who has been a media and plans officer for the Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base for the past year.
Hicks and his family are now converted Bucs fans.
"I hope they put up a good fight…and that’s all I can root for right now, that they have a winning season, maybe make the playoffs, who knows?" Hicks said. "Baker Mayfield, you never know with him."
The day at camp brought excitement and fanfare.
"It’s really great. I think they love the size of the players, the field," Hicks said of his family. "The helicopter was really cool."
More than anything, the Bucs brought together a group of people bonded by their military experience and love for football.
"It means everything," Hicks said. "If you don’t know too many military families, the hardest thing is the moving. We move every two to four years, and that’s really hard on our families. What makes it a little bit easier are things like this."
For coach Todd Bowles and the Bucs players, it's a chance to say thanks to all those who have served.
"It makes you understand that this is only a game," Bowles said. "There are people out there risking their lives for you, and the things we get upset over are minute compared to the things they do for our country and for us. So it makes you appreciative of the job you have, and you’re happy to do anything for them that you can."
For military members like Hicks, it helps Tampa Bay feel a little more like home.
"This is just a really great day for military families, really," Hicks said. "That’s why I brought mine is because sometimes, you get isolated. We don’t have family here. All of our family are spread about the world. So we make the community our family.
We really can’t say enough...Just thank you. This means a lot."
