Rookie Class Visits MacDill Air Force Base in Partnership with USAA
The Buccaneers rookie class took a break from voluntary OTAs last week, continuing their community efforts in the Tampa Bay area by visiting MacDill Air Force Base. First-year defensive lineman Calijah Kancey, guard Cody Mauch, outside linebacker Yaya Diaby and the entire 2023 rookie class experienced their inaugural trip to the base.
The visit was highlighted by a tour of a KC-135 Stratotanker, instruction from the Aircrew Flight Equipment team and a demonstration by the 6th Security Forces Squadron "Emergency Services Team." Following the tour, players visited the MacDill Air Force Base Exchange to sign autographs for military members, base personnel and their families.
"We went up on the planes and got to see how they refuel the fighter jets," said Buccaneers tight end Payne Durham. "It was really cool to see the different jobs servicemen and women have and spend a day in their lives. My favorite part of the day was the meet and greet. Without them doing their jobs, we would not be able to do ours. They allow us the opportunity to play football and do something we love. We truly appreciate what they do for us."
The Buccaneers proudly support U.S. armed forces, and the team's military outreach efforts extend beyond the gridiron. Along with the annual Salute to Service game, presented by USAA, the Buccaneers participate in a variety of community initiatives, honoring those who serve our country. Game day ticket programs, Veterans' hospital visits, and events with wounded warriors are some of the projects aimed at giving back to the U.S. military.
View photos of the 2023 Buccaneers rookies visiting MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa.
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Wide Receiver Kade Warner #85, Guard Cody Mauch #69, Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18, and Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0, Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10, Safety Kedrick Whitehead #25, and Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26, Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58, Cornerback Derrek Pitts #38, Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32, and Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 and Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Wide Receiver Taye Barber #17 and Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 and Cornerback Derrek Pitts #38 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44, Cornerback Keenan Isaac #16, and Offensive Lineman Silas Dzansi #61 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Tackle Raiqwon O'Neal #76 and Guard/Center Chris Murray #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Tight End Payne Durham #87, Wide Receiver Kade Warner #85, Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81, Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26, Tackle Luke Haggard #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Casey Phillips during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Wide Receiver Taye Barber #17 and Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32, Safety Christian Izien #29, and Outside Linebacker Brandon Bouyer-Randle #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Guard Cody Mauch #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Tackle Raiqwon O'Neal #76, Tight End Tanner Taula #84, and Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Tackle Raiqwon O'Neal #76, Offensive Lineman Silas Dzansi #61, Guard Cody Mauch #69, and Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Tackle Raiqwon O'Neal #76, Offensive Lineman Silas Dzansi #61, and Tight End Tanner Taula #84 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 and Wide Receiver Kade Warner #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Tackle Luke Haggard #72, Offensive Lineman Silas Dzansi #61, Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58, Tackle Raiqwon O'Neal #76, and Cornerback Keenan Isaac #16 of the Tampa Bay Bucaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Tight End Tanner Taula #84 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Tight End Tanner Taula #84 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Wide Receiver Kade Warner #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58, Tackle Raiqwon O'Neal #76, Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10, and Wide Receiver Kade Warner #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Tackle Raiqwon O'Neal #76 and Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Cornerback Derrek Pitts #38 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Wide Receiver Taye Barber #17, Cornerback Keenan Isaac #16, and Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86, Wide Receiver Kade Warner #85, and Tight End Tanner Taula #84 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Cornerback Keenan Isaac #16 and Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class signs autographs during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86, Wide Receiver Kade Warner #85, and Tight End Tanner Taula #84 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Guard/Center Chris Murray #56 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Cornerback Derrek Pitts #38 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gives a high five during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class signs autographs during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class signs autographs during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 02, 2023 - The 2023 Rookie class signs autographs during a visit to MacDill Air Force Base. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bobby Slater's Son, Ryan Slater, Guides Florida Baseball to Super Regionals
The son of Buccaneers' Head Athletic Trainer Bobby Slater, Ryan Slater, helped spearhead Florida's advancement to super regionals for the first time since 2018. Against Texas Tech on Monday, Slater tossed five shutout innings, sealing the 7-1 victory for the Gators. Slater started on the mound for only the third time all season for Florida and he limited the Red Raiders to three hits and two walks. The Gators will now host the Southeastern Conference rival South Carolina in a best-of-three super regional tournament this week.
