Player Programs 
TeamZone • Giving back to Tampa Bay
Supporting the community, on and off the field
Buccaneers players give their time, resources and encouragement to causes that touch everyday life: a student finding direction, a family gathering for a holiday meal, or a neighbor moving into a home. Their work offers the Krewe another reason to take pride in Tampa Bay and another way to take part in the community.
This guide highlights the team's player-led programs, selected player-founded charities and the continuing service of Buccaneers legends. Follow the source links throughout the page to learn about each effort in more detail.
- Turkey Time with the O-Line began
- 2007
- Player Impact Board established
- 2018
- Youth mentoring program launched
- 2020
Players working together for Tampa Bay
These efforts bring players together with staff, nonprofit partners and supporters. Each addresses a practical need, from access to food and housing to the steady encouragement that a mentor can provide.
Youth & opportunity
Player-Student Mentoring
The Buccaneers launched their Youth Leadership Program in October 2020, connecting players and staff with students at Young Middle Magnet School. The original effort emphasized relationships, leadership development and support beyond the classroom. The team's current Player-Student Mentoring Program focuses on high-school athletes, continuing that commitment to helping young people grow through guidance and shared experiences.
Read the 2020 launch announcement and current program overview.
Housing & stability
Holiday Home Build
Through Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough, players have supported affordable housing with donations and volunteer work. In December 2023, the club reported the dedication of four homes after a month of work by players, staff and participating students. The project connected financial contributions with practical help, including work on windows, doors and painting preparation.
A holiday tradition
Turkey Time with the O-Line
The offensive line's Thanksgiving outreach began in 2007. Working with Publix and community partners, the players help families celebrate the holiday with a meal. For the 19th annual event in November 2025, the Buccaneers announced plans to provide Thanksgiving meals for more than 1,000 local families, carrying forward a tradition shared by successive groups of linemen.
Food & family support
Defensive Line Mobile Food Pantry
The defensive line helped launch a mobile food-pantry effort with Feeding Tampa Bay in 2022. Player contributions and matching support from the organization funded a recurring way to deliver groceries to East Tampa families. The current team overview lists the pantry at Lockhart Elementary Magnet School, illustrating how a position group can support an ongoing neighborhood need.
The Player Impact Board
Directory checked
Established in 2018, the Player Impact Board helps guide player involvement in community causes. The team's directory lists the following six members with service continuing to the present.
| Player | Position | Board service began |
|---|---|---|
| Emeka Egbuka | Wide receiver | 2025 |
| Yaya Diaby | Outside linebacker | 2025 |
| Zyon McCollum | Cornerback | 2024 |
| Benjamin Morrison | Cornerback | 2026 |
| Elijah Roberts | Defensive lineman | 2026 |
| Josh Williams | Running back | 2026 |
Source: official Player Impact Board directory. The years shown refer to board service.
Player-founded charities
Players and their families also establish foundations around causes that matter personally to them. These organizations have their own missions and programs, with official websites where fans can follow their work.
Founders: Baker & Emily Mayfield
Baker & Emily Mayfield Foundation
The Mayfields' foundation centers on resilience and helping people overcome difficult circumstances through programs, scholarships and charitable partnerships. Its published beneficiaries include the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, Boys & Girls Club support in Tampa Bay, and Babycycle Diaper Bank. Together, those examples show a focus on childhood opportunity and practical family needs, from early education and after-school activities to essential supplies for young children.
Founders: Chris & Mariah Godwin
Team Godwin Foundation
Team Godwin supports young people facing difficult circumstances and animals in need through partnerships, resources and community programs. A recent example is the Mariah and Chris Godwin Recovery Initiative, launched on May 5, 2026 through Hillsborough County's Pet Resources Foundation. The initiative funds advanced care for shelter dogs with medical needs, helping them recover and become ready for adoption. It gives the foundation's commitment to second chances a specific local purpose.
Founders: Mike & Ashli Evans
Mike Evans Family Foundation
Mike and Ashli Evans established their foundation in December 2017. Its mission combines youth empowerment, educational opportunity and taking a stand against domestic violence. Scholarships are an important part of that work, helping students whose financial circumstances could otherwise limit access to college. The foundation provides a lasting connection between the platform football created and the family's commitment to helping children and families build safer, more hopeful futures.
A legacy of service
The impact of a Buccaneers career can continue for years after a player's final game. These two former Buccaneers have built enduring organizations around education and family stability.
Buccaneers legend
Derrick Brooks Charities
Derrick Brooks Charities focuses on educational opportunities for young people facing economic and social challenges. Its programs include the Brooks Bunch Academies, youth programs and the Young Ladies Rites of Passage initiative. The charity's work aims to broaden students' experiences and help them develop the confidence, perspective and preparation to become leaders in their own communities.
Buccaneers legend
Warrick Dunn: Homes for the Holidays
Warrick Dunn began Homes for the Holidays in 1997, during his first NFL season with Tampa Bay, in tribute to his mother, Betty Smothers. The Warrick Dunn Charities program works with housing partners to identify single-parent families purchasing their first homes. It provides furnishings, a stocked pantry and down-payment assistance, helping selected families settle into a home equipped for daily life.
How the Krewe can take part
Supporting a player's cause can begin with learning about a local need and finding a way to contribute that fits your time and interests.
- Choose a cause you care about. Explore the official links above for work involving education, food assistance, housing, youth development or animal welfare.
- Follow the organization's opportunities. Read its current event, volunteer or support information and use the participation process it provides.
- Share useful information. Help friends discover these programs by sharing official announcements, including their dates and any participation requirements.
Prepared from the official team and foundation sources linked throughout this feature, checked October 18, 2026. Historical examples retain their event years. Visit the organizations' websites for current program details and participation information.
