The ultimate goal of every team in any sports league is to win the championship in its respective league. Certain big cities have the luxury of having multiple professional sports teams in different leagues. This is the case with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tampa Bay Rays all playing in close proximity to each other in the state of Florida. As we all know the Lightning captured the 2020 Stanley Cup this past September. Tampa’s NFL affiliate team, the Buccaneers, are going to the Super Bowl to battle against the reining Vince Lombardi champions in the Kansas City Chiefs.
Some Bolts players, such as team Captain Steven Stamkos have kept a close eye on their NFL brothers since the playoffs began. Stammer has been actively supporting the Bucs on Twitter since they made the playoffs.
Tampa Bay sports teams aren’t hesitant to cheer-on one other as Tom Brady sent his best wishes to the Lightning for their second championship in franchise history, while also cracking a joke about the ongoing coronavirus pandemic unfortunately making the championship celebration less festive and inclusive.
‘Super Wild Card Weekend’ Support
The Buccaneers lined-up against the Washington Football team during the ‘Super Wild Card Weekend’ on Jan. 9 at FedEx Field, Washington’s home stadium. Stamkos would cheer-on the Black Red Orange brigade.
Bring On Drew Brees and the Saints
The Buccaneers would win that game by a score of 31-23 and move onto the divisional round where they’d face a National Football Conference (NFC) South divisional rival, the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints overcame the Buccaneers both times they played in the regular season.
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It was a close affair in Week 1 by a score of 34-23. However, later in the season during Week 9, it was a blow out as the Saints took it by a score of 38-3 on Nov. 8. Stamkos, being a veteran on his own team, had faith that Brady’s playoff experience and leadership would break the two-game losing streak.
Alex Killorn also wished the Buccaneers good luck against the Saints.
The Buccaneers prevailed, beating the Saints 30-20, punching their ticket to their first NFC Championship game in over 18 years. The Lightning was happy to see this outcome.
The High-Flying Packers
The Buccaneers steamrolled the Green Bay Packers in their only regular-season matchup during Week 6 by a score of 38-10 at the Bucs home, Raymond James Stadium. Understanding the importance of the game, Stamkos and his dog Trigger watched with excitement.
Aaron Rodgers, the super-star quarterback for the Packers, got to host his first NFC Championship game at Lambeau Field on Jan. 24. It was a more competitive game between the two powerhouses, but the Buccaneers still came out on top 31-26 and punched their ticket to Super Bowl 55. The Bolts were understandably pumped!
The Super Bowl is always played on the first Sunday of February. This year that falls on Feb. 7, which is also Stamkos’ birthday. He’d like to hold two historical trophies in one calendar year.
Tampa Bay Bursting with Excitement
The Buccaneers are the first NFL team ever to host the ‘Big Game’ in their home stadium. The City of Tampa Bay has done its part preparing for the championship game by putting up flags and banners.
Victor Hedman shared his thoughts on the success of Tampa Bay sports teams during the year and how the community is feeling leading up to the Super Bowl.
Brett Phillips, an outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, chooses to support his hometown NFL team, despite being former teammates with the oppositions starting QB Patric Mahomes. Phillips also makes a friendly bet with catcher Salvador Perez of the Kansas City Royals on what they’d have to do as punishment if their team lost this game.
The Buccaneers are looking to capture their first Super Bowl win since 2203. Trying to break 18-year’s of being title-less, just as the Bolts ended a 17-year Cup drought this past NHL season. Super Bowl LV kicks-off at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Despite flying to Nashville that day, you can bet your bottom dollar that the Lightning will join the rest of the Bay area fans in watching and rooting for the Buccaneers in the Big Game.
