Last week, I stood behind the fence at my daughter Maggie’s Hit-a-Thon for Safety Harbor Little League—just another parent watching their kid take a few hacks at a ball on a tee.

Simple enough, right?

Except every swing at that Hit-a-Thon was worth $10 for her league—a local fundraiser where every hit helped the team, the field, and the next generation of kids coming up behind them.

Maggie taking her swings at the Safety Harbor Little League Hit-a-Thon — every hit helping raise money for her team and her community.

And that’s what got me thinking...

Sports teach lessons on the field—but if you’re lucky, they teach even bigger ones off it.

Things like resilience. Teamwork. Giving back.

And with NFL Draft season right around the corner—and the whole world talking about prospects, trades, and picks—I wanted to flip the script for a minute.

Let’s do a different kind of Mock Draft.

Let’s celebrate the Buccaneers who have made their biggest plays off the field—the ones who turned their platform into purpose and gave back to the Tampa Bay community in extraordinary ways.

Together, these players have raised millions of dollars, built schools, funded homes, and created life-changing programs right here in Tampa Bay.

A quick note before we dive in

I’m writing this in a draft format as a fun way to tie into the upcoming NFL Draft—but where someone “goes” in this draft is not a reflection on them or the others listed. This isn’t about ranking people or saying one person’s impact matters more than another’s.

This is simply a celebration.

I did my best to research and highlight some of the incredible work being done by current and former Bucs players—but I also understand there are countless names who could be on this list. If a name isn’t here, that in no way minimizes their impact or generosity.

This blog isn’t about calling anyone out.

It’s about lifting people up.

With the 1st Pick, the Buccaneers Select...

Mike Evans (WR)

A legend on the field—and just as impactful off of it. Mike and his wife Ashli created the Mike Evans Family Foundation, supporting youth education and survivors of domestic violence.

Over $560,000 in scholarships awarded to students in Florida and Texas.
Annual “Catch for Kids” program tying his on-field stats to donations.
Holiday drives supporting hundreds of local families each year.

Source: Mike Evans Family Foundation

I attended one of Mike Evans’ charity bowling events and saw firsthand how he shows up for his fans and the Tampa Bay community.

With the 2nd Pick, the Buccaneers Select...

Warrick Dunn (RB)

One of the greatest to ever wear pewter and red—and one of the NFL’s most respected philanthropists. His Homes for the Holidays program has provided:

Over 230 single-parent families with homeownership assistance.
More than $2 million invested in furnishing homes.
Scholarships and grief counseling through Warrick Dunn Charities.

Source: Warrick Dunn Charities

Warrick Dunn has been changing lives in Tampa Bay for years — one set of keys at a time.

With the 3rd Pick, the Buccaneers Select...

Lavonte David (LB)

A quiet leader and consistent giver. Through the Lavonte Legends Foundation, he’s provided:

$5,000 college scholarships to dozens of local high school seniors.
Support for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.
Back-to-school drives and Thanksgiving meals in Miami and Tampa.

Source: Lavonte David Foundation

With the 4th Pick, the Buccaneers Select...

Davin Joseph (OG)

A former Pro Bowl lineman and NFLPA Community MVP who never forgot where he came from. The Davin Joseph Foundation focuses on:

Enhancing athletic and arts programs in Title-One schools.
Upgrading training facilities and providing pre-game meals.
Helping Tampa kids access sports and music opportunities.

Source: NFLPA

With the 5th Pick, the Buccaneers Select...

Ryan Nece (LB)

Founder of the Ryan Nece Foundation, committed to inspiring young leaders.

Student Service Program with over 165 local high school students completing 100+ hours of community service.
Annual Youth Leadership Summit and college scholarships for students who lead by serving others.

Source: Ryan Nece Foundation

With the 6th Pick, the Buccaneers Select...

Chris Godwin (WR)

Chris and his wife Mariah launched the Team Godwin Foundation, focused on animal welfare.

The “Second Chance Fund” provides life-saving medical care for shelter animals.
“Receptions for Rescue” campaign tying his catches to dollars raised for animal rescue.
Advocacy for pet adoption and rescue partnerships across Tampa Bay.

Source: Team Godwin Foundation

Chris Godwin and his wife Mariah have made giving back part of their game plan — especially when it comes to helping animals in need across Tampa Bay.

With the 7th Pick, the Buccaneers Select...

Rob Gronkowski (TE)

Gronk being Gronk—but with a huge heart. Through the Gronk Nation Youth Foundation, he’s:

Donated over $1 million to children’s hospitals and youth programs.
Funded a $315,000 gift to the Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund after hurricane recovery.
Supported youth sports and pediatric cancer research.

Source: Gronk Nation Youth Foundation

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Rob Gronkowski donated $315,000 to the Tampa Bay Resiliency Fund to support local families recovering from recent hurricanes. Photo courtesy of Pinellas Community Foundation.

With the 8th Pick, the Buccaneers Select...

Baker Mayfield (QB)

A newer face in Tampa, but already leaving his mark. Baker and his wife Emily wasted no time launching the Baker and Emily Mayfield Foundation — focused on "evening the odds" for people facing adversity.

Early childhood literacy initiatives and reading programs for underserved youth.
The "Giving Bowl" — a bracket-style fundraising event raising $92,500 in its first year for five local Tampa Bay charities.
Direct support for After-School All-Stars, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, and other organizations focused on education, crisis response, and youth development.

Source: Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation

With the 9th Pick, the Buccaneers Select...

Vincent Jackson (WR)

Gone too soon — but never forgotten in Tampa Bay. Vincent Jackson wasn’t just a Pro Bowl receiver — he was a pillar of this community. Through the Jackson in Action 83 Foundation, Jackson devoted his post-playing career to supporting military families and children.

Hosted annual Youth in Action Camps and Back-to-School drives for military kids.
Provided scholarships and resources for children of deployed service members.
Hosted an annual Military Moms Baby Shower, providing over $90,000 in gifts to expecting military families.

Vincent Jackson was a four-time Buccaneers Man of the Year and winner of the NFL’s Salute to Service Award — a reflection of how deeply he cared about making Tampa Bay a better place.

Source: Buccaneers.com

With the 10th Pick, the Buccaneers Select...

Derrick Brooks (LB)

An icon in every sense of the word. Derrick Brooks' impact in Tampa Bay goes far beyond his Hall of Fame career. Through Derrick Brooks Charities, he’s created a blueprint for servant leadership.

The Brooks Bunch — a youth leadership academy that provides life-skills training, financial literacy, and educational trips across the U.S. and abroad.
Crime prevention programs serving 4,000-5,000 youth and family members annually.
Co-founder of Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School — one of Tampa’s top-rated public charter schools with a 95%+ graduation rate.

Source: db55.org

Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks has spent decades making an impact on and off the field in Tampa Bay — from the Brooks Bunch to building one of the area’s top-rated schools.

Final Thoughts:

Standing behind that tee at the Hit-a-Thon... watching Maggie swing for something bigger than herself... reminded me what sports really teach us.

Effort. Heart. Generosity.

And the Buccaneers — from legends to current stars — have shown time and again that their greatest impact often happens far away from the stadium lights.

To every Buccaneer — past or present — who’s given back to Tampa Bay... thank you.

Your story deserves to be told.

And here’s to all the little moments, the small swings, and the acts of kindness that keep making this community better.

Speaking of Giving Back...

Speak4MC is proud to sponsor the upcoming Sips & Supper for Success event hosted by BAYS on April 17th, 2025, at the Tampa River Center.

This incredible evening benefits the BAYS Success Program — providing resources and removing barriers for youth and families across our community.

And in a fitting full-circle moment?

The event will feature keynote speaker Alex Smith — a former Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end, Super Bowl Champion, and 18-year NFL player and executive — who knows firsthand what it means to give back to the Tampa Bay community.

Because at the end of the day — giving back isn’t about stats or draft positions.

It’s about showing up for the people who need it most.

Former Buccaneer Alex Smith will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming Sips & Supper for Success event — continuing his impact off the field here in Tampa Bay. — Former Buccaneer Alex Smith will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming *Sips & Supper for Success* event — continuing his impact off the field here in Tampa Bay.

About the Author

Curtis Campogni is the founder of Speak4MC, a motivational speaking and training organization dedicated to inspiring growth and change. Curtis is a lifelong Bucs fan, husband, and father. Learn more at Speak4MC.com

Disclaimer:

This blog was written to celebrate generosity and highlight the positive impact of current and former Tampa Bay Buccaneers players in the community. The order of selections is for creative and entertainment purposes only and is not a ranking of impact or importance. Every player mentioned — and many more not listed — have contributed to making Tampa Bay a better place. The views expressed are solely those of the author and do not represent any other individual, organization, or company. This blog was originally published on Speak4MC.com and is shared in collaboration with Bucs Report.

Drafting Kindness: The 2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Community Impact Mock Draft