Buccaneers quarterback a hero after selfless display
By Rob Leeds
Buccaneers QB Blaine Gabbert hasn’t been in the news much this season, but there are going to be a lot more people talking about him after last night.
Blaine Gabbert’s full-time job is throwing footballs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There might be a bit more nuance to it than that, especially with what he does for Tom Brady on the sideline, but there isn’t much more outside of that where Gabbert is required to do anything.
However, people have many chances throughout their lives where they are able to act even if they aren’t required to do so.
That is precisely what Blaine Gabbert did last night, which is also why he is being hailed as a hero today. Tampa’s backup quarterback didn’t have to go to the scene of a helicopter crash on his jet ski, but it’s a good thing that he did.
Four people found themselves in the ocean last night when their helicopter had to make an emergency landing. The helicopter crashed 200 yards off the shore, according to police, and for anyone who thinks that distance isn’t that far, go try to swim just 100 yards at your local lap pool.
Imagine having to swim that distance, unprepared for it, wearing clothes, and right after a traumatic crash.
Gabbert and company showing up on jet skis before the trained rescuers still made a difference in a situation where every minute counts, and four people are safe today in large part due to what Blaine Gabbert did in a high-pressure situation.
A football player being hailed as a hero takes on a different meaning in a situation like this. Many people look up to players based on what they do on the field, but something like this will always shine through as all the more impressive.
It sounds like there might be some chants for Blaine Gabbert’s name in Tampa this weekend as the Buccaneers take on the Panthers; these chants just probably won’t be for Gabbert to replace Tom Brady on the field.
One way or another, Blaine Gabbert found a lot of new fans after last night with his selfless display.
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