There are playoff implications in Tampa Bay on Sunday afternoon, as the Buccaneers look to win the NFC South to reach the postseason.
However, before the game began, a moment of silence was held for the Bucs’ opponent, the New Orleans Saints, as they play their first game since the deadly terrorist attack in the early hours of New Year’s Day on Bourbon Street .
Fox Sports captured the somber moment during its broadcast, doing so without interruptions or cuts.
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New Orleans Saints head coach Darren Rizzi during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers game at Raymond James Stadium. (Images by Jonathan Dyer-Imagn)
“Earlier this week, our nation experienced a horrific act of violence with a heartbreaking tragedy in New Orleans. Our hearts go out to the New Orleans community, including the brave first responders,” the Bucs public address announcer said. speakers at Raymond James Stadium. “At this time, please stand and join us in a moment of silent reflection in memory of the victims, their families and loved ones.”
The Saints bench saw the entire team holding hands and bowing their heads, which the Buccaneers and everyone in the stands also did.
The non-stop moment continued with the national anthem, as Fox Sports showed scenes of both bands, the crowd and the general patriotism seen in Tampa Bay.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS DONATE $1 MILLION FOR RELIEF AFTER TERRORIST ATTACK NEAR STADIUM
The Saints were obviously hit hard by the terrorist attack, but the team announced, in a joint statement with the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, that one of the victims was a member of its video production team with ASM New Orleans.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler runs the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. (Images by Jonathan Dyer-Imagn)
Matthew Tenedorio, who the Saints said was a “young and talented” member of the video’s production team, was killed in the senseless act of violence committed by Shamsud-Din Jabbar.
The Saints pledged to donate $1 million to help victims of the terrorist attack in the French Quarter, where 14 people were killed and dozens more were injured. The act of terror occurred less than two miles from the Caesars Superdome, which is where the Saints hold their home games.
“Our community has experienced an unimaginable tragedy and our collective hearts are broken as we mourn the victims and survivors of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans,” Saints owner Gayle Benson said in a statement. “As a league, our cities and teams compete at the highest levels of competition and share vigorous rivalries. Our staff and players work tirelessly to achieve our goals and we share wins and losses.
Midfield with the New Orleans Saints logo at Caesars Superdome. (Stephen Lew-USA Today Sports)
“However, through football we are also united and we stand united against all forms of hate. We will overcome terror and fear with unwavering resolve and purpose rooted in love, compassion and kindness. Our goal has always been to provide aid quickly and effectively, and we are grateful for the collaboration with both the Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) and United Way to ensure these funds reach those who need them most.”
