Sports
Buccaneers Super Bowl Champions Honored for Their Service at Ryan Nece Foundation’s Morning Huddle
TAMPA BAY, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) – Super Bowl Champion Ryan Nece spent plenty of time in the huddle during his playing career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Recently, he brought his own Morning Huddle presented by Suncoast Credit Union to a crowd of hundreds at Armature Works. The event honored several of his former teammates and current Buccaneers, as well as raised money for the Ryan Nece Foundation.
“It’s an honor and it’s a privilege to be in a huddle with great men and I’ve had a chance to do that a number of times over the years,” Nece said. I had an opportunity to huddle up with great people in the community and get a chance to hear from some elite athletes Lavonte David, Chris Godwin, Dexter Jackson, and Martin Gramatica, and hear what it takes to be successful. In short, a really powerful day.
Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.
Guests were treated to breakfast and a welcoming introduction by Ryan Nece Foundation CEO Melissa Neeley, who explained the organization’s mission and purpose, which is “to create opportunities for teens to embrace the power of giving through volunteerism and [our] inspirational leadership program; and empower teens to become leaders and impact giving in their communities.”
Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.
After a pair of student spotlights and a brief introduction of the panelists (see above), Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ reporter Casey Phillips moderated the roundtable discussion that started off by asking the athletes about their thoughts on leadership.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers team reporter Casey Phillips moderates a panel discussion with veteran and current Buccaneers Super Bowl Champions Dexter Gramatica, Lavonte David, and Chris Godwin. Photo: Todd Grasley/Florida National News.
“You don’t have to be in the front to lead,” said Super Bowl XXXVII MVP Dexter Jackson. “You can also lead from the back.”
“Anyone can be a leader, just be yourself and don’t be something you aren’t,” added current wide receiver Chris Godwin.
As for what made their respective Super Bowl champion teams so special there were several consistent factors among the group.
“Unity and family were the keys,” said Gramatica. “Everyone loved each other. We played next to each other, but we went to battle for each other. To have those types of leaders taught us to be professionals.”
Hard work, accountability, and consistency were key for Godwin.
“We all worked hard from the beginning but just because we worked hard didn’t mean anything, that wasn’t enough,” he noted. “We wanted to change the culture to a winning mentality, at first we couldn’t gel and had to address our accountability and consistency.”
For their efforts in the community, David, Godwin, Jackson, and Gramatica received the prestigious Paragon Award from the foundation.
“We don’t give this award out lightly and recognize the men and women that embrace leadership, lean into service, and that is elite at what they do,” said Nece. “We try to make sure we acknowledge those people in our community because we need more of them. All four of those men got that award today because they are all doing amazing things to help others.”
While Nece and his foundation honored those recipients, hundreds in the room were there to support his cause as well.
“I’ve had the chance to win a Super Bowl and that is a highlight of my career, but there is nothing more powerful than when another human being says thank you,” he said. “That’s what the power of giving is all about and for our organization to be doing this for 16 years and to be able to help others, and most importantly educate young minds through our Student Service Program, about how they can too embrace the power of giving, is really important.”
For more information and to support the Ryan Nece Foundation visit ryannecefoundation.org.
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Todd Grasley is a sports reporter for Florida National News Tampa. | sports@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — During Women’s History Month, leaders across the United States are recognized for their contributions to progress, equity and community empowerment. Among them, Florida National News (FNN) recognizes retired U.S. Army Commander Jocelyn Thomas, a military veteran, author, speaker and advocate for women’s sports.
Thomas has built a career defined by service, leadership and storytelling, transitioning from two decades in the U.S. Army to a growing influence in the sports and media industry.
Photo Credit: U.S. Army Recruiting Battalion, Facebook page – Tampa (Captain Jocelyn Thomas speaker)
Commander, United States Army (Retired)
Thomas entered the United States Army at just 19 years old, beginning a distinguished 20-year military career that would take her across the United States and around the world.
During her time in service, she held numerous leadership roles including Company Commander (twice), Battalion S3, Battalion Assistant Support Operations Officer (SPO), Executive Officer, Platoon Leader, Platoon Sergeant and Team Leader.
Her assignments included Georgia, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, Korea and Florida, along with combat deployments to Afghanistan, Kuwait and Guantanamo Bay.
As a Company Commander, Thomas led a military unit responsible for approximately 100 to 250 soldiers, overseeing mission readiness, operational planning, training and the well-being of service members under her command.
Her responsibilities included:
- Tactical Leadership: Planning and executing company-level operations and maneuvers
- Training and Readiness: Ensuring soldiers were prepared for combat while maintaining equipment and operational standards
- Personnel Management: Mentoring and developing subordinate leaders, including platoon leaders
- Disciplinary Authority: Upholding military discipline and accountability within the unit
“Being a woman in the Army is a unique experience unlike any other,” Thomas said. “I want people to know that beneath the uniform, I am my own person.”
She describes herself as influential, trustworthy and hardworking. In addition to her military accomplishments, Thomas is also a certified personal trainer and wellness coach, reflecting her continued commitment to leadership, discipline and personal well-being.
Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
Following her military retirement, Thomas transitioned into the sports and media industry, where she currently works as a Crewing Coordinator at ESPN.
In this role, she supports live sports productions, managing behind-the-scenes logistics and coordinating on-air talent to ensure seamless broadcasts.
Thomas is also a Disney Military Fellowship Program Ambassador, representing the program that helps military veterans transition into civilian careers within The Walt Disney Company and ESPN.
Her leadership, organization and communication skills have proven valuable in the fast-paced environment of sports broadcasting.
Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
Prior to joining ESPN, Thomas worked as a Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports, where she helped oversee major sporting events from planning through execution.
Her background as a U.S. Army Operations Officer provided the leadership and logistical expertise needed to manage complex sporting events and coordinate teams working behind the scenes.
Advocate for Women’s Sports
Thomas has also become a passionate advocate for the growth and visibility of women’s sports, particularly women’s flag football.
Her work includes storytelling and coverage for initiatives such as:
- She Is Football Weekend with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Girls Flag Football Week with the Atlanta Falcons
- Coverage of Alabama State University’s Women’s Flag Football Team during the 2026 season
Through these efforts, Thomas continues to amplify opportunities for female athletes and expand awareness of women’s football programs across the country.
Author and Motivational Speaker
Beyond sports media, Thomas is also a best-selling author and national keynote speaker, sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and perseverance.
She has delivered presentations for organizations including:
- Collegiate Sports Management Group
- ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Military Influencer Conference
- The Mayweather brand
- Streaming platform Twitch
Thomas has also spoken at universities and institutions such as Spelman College, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa, along with numerous military programs and high schools.
Her philosophy remains simple yet powerful:
“Success is a marathon, not a sprint.”
Impact on Women and Future Leaders
Thomas’ journey from Army commander to sports media professional reflects the growing influence of women leaders in fields traditionally dominated by men, including military leadership, sports broadcasting and athletics.
Through her advocacy for women’s flag football, leadership mentoring and public speaking, Thomas continues to inspire young women, athletes and veterans pursuing new careers after military service.
Key Achievements and Milestones
- 20-year U.S. Army combat veteran
- Three combat deployments
- Two-time U.S. Army Company Commander
- Leader responsible for more than 10,000 soldiers during her military career
- Disney’s first Military Veteran Intern (Fellow) at Disney Sports
- First Disney Fellow to complete the fellowship program and be hired full-time by ESPN
- Crewing Coordinator at ESPN
- Former Sports Events Manager at ESPN Wide World of Sports
- Best-selling author and national keynote speaker
- Sideline reporter and journalist for the Atlanta Truth Women’s Professional Tackle Football team and Alabama State University Women’s Flag Football team
- Mother to Legend Thomas (8)
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About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series
Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.
