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
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Orlando Magic Expand ThreatLocker Partnership With Warmup Branding, Cybersecurity Campaign
Orlando Magic, ThreatLocker Add Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign and Courtside Branding
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic and Orlando-based cybersecurity company ThreatLocker have expanded their partnership to include player warmup branding, courtside signage and a cybersecurity awareness campaign, the team announced Oct. 21.
ThreatLocker’s branding will appear on the Magic’s player warmup shirts for all home and away games, as well as front-row courtside seatback covers at Kia Center.
Campaign to Share Online Safety Tips
Timed to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the awareness campaign includes an opening-night commercial featuring ThreatLocker CEO and co-founder Danny Jenkins.
The spot will offer tips to help fans and Orlando-area residents protect themselves online, according to the announcement.
“As a Magic Champion of the Community partner since 2023, ThreatLocker has demonstrated a strong commitment to the local community,” Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman said. “We’re excited to help raise cybersecurity awareness and continue growing their brand and our collective community impact.”
Branding Extends Across Games and Broadcasts
The agreement also includes a season-long commercial campaign and a custom-branded broadcast feature. ThreatLocker will receive exposure through MagicTV 27 in Central Florida and the team’s regional over-the-air broadcast network.
Warmup shirt branding will give the company visibility during pregame activities, player-focused content and game broadcasts, according to the announcement.
“We’re delighted that this partnership will help fans stay safe online,” Jenkins said. “And with October being Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s a great opportunity to share a few simple steps everyone can take to better protect themselves and their families.”
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