TAMPA, Fla. — Normally, the Monday of Super Bowl week features Super Bowl Opening Night with hundreds of media members and fans.
But that event, like so many others, is forced to go online because of COVID-19.
Media members won’t get any face-to-face time with the players leading up to the Super Bowl.
The players are trying to stay healthy for what is the most important game in most of their lives.
Selected Buccaneers players sat in front of a computer in a room by themselves and took questions on Zoom.
There are many things that will be different this week, from the Bucs playing this game at home to the virtual media interviews.
“I’m just sitting here in a room by myself right now. There’s no one around so the juices aren’t flowing as much as if you were in a room with media people going crazy asking questions, fans cheering, music going. But the juices are still flowing. It is still Super Bowl week but it’s totally different,” said Tampa Bay tight end Rob Gronkowski.
Tom Brady talked about the advantages his team has playing at home.
“I’m happy in my own bed. I’m happy eating good stuff at home. I’m happy I have extra time to prepare I don’t have to travel. I don’t have to pack my clothes, pack up all my other crap. Own lockerroom, own practice field. In the end, I think there are some real positives to take from it,” said Brady.
Brady, who has won the Super Bowl six times, was also asked if he would like another title to eclipse Michael Jordan for total number of championships.
“Obviously we are one game away from the ultimate goal in this sport. And I’ve been part of that ultimate goal six other times. So they are all different. They all meant something a little bit different to me. They’ve all been a little unique in their own way. And it would just be cool to accomplish it this time,” said Brady.
