The Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrated their Super Bowl LV victory over the Kansas City Chiefs with a boat parade in Tampa on Wednesday but there were continued concerns over the coronavirus; thousands lined the Hillsborough River but many were not wearing masks or socially distancing
Thursday 11 February 2021 08:17, UK
The Super Bowl champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrated their victory on Wednesday with a boat parade amid continued concern over the coronavirus pandemic.
Thousands of fans decked out in Buccaneers colours lined the Hillsborough River near downtown Tampa to cheer on the team including quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski and coach Bruce Arians.
The team arrived by bus and boarded at least four boats. "We damn sure have the best players in the NFL," coach Arians said with a beer in one hand and a microphone in the other. "We're going to keep the band together."
At one point, Brady was captured on video tossing the championship Lombardi Trophy from his boat to a shirtless Gronkowski in another boat bringing cheers from fans and players.
Brady appeared to be a bit tipsy after making it safely back to land with third-string quarterback Ryan Griffin seen helping him off the boat. The 43-year-old posted on Twitter: "Noting to see her...just litTle avoCado tequila."
Mayor Jane Castor again emphasised that people attending the parade must wear masks outdoors and observe social distancing rules.
It appeared many were abiding by the mask order but many others were not. There were also dozens of people on private boats, kayaks and other watercraft crowding the river to catch a glimpse of the team. They were directed to stay at least 50 feet from the boats carrying players.
After Tampa Bay's 31-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Sunday's title game, throngs of people gathered in the city's entertainment districts. Many were seen maskless despite the orders requiring them.
Brian Ford, chief operating officer of the Buccaneers, said in a video announcement that fans should heed the rules as they celebrate the team's victory.
"It's essential we do it the right way," Ford said. "We want to do our part to ensure it's done in a safe and responsible manner."
