The NFL is very serious about its year-round programs to honor military personnel. In Week 10, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers planned a series of activities during the game against the New England Patriots. But they faced a setback when the Pentagon canceled military flyovers due to the government shutdown.

Some of the Salute to Service events planned for Sunday’s Buccaneers vs. Patriots game have been canceled. These include the halftime enlistment ceremony, the pregame parachute jump, the T-38 jet flyover, and the military honor guard.

Despite these changes, the Buccaneers will still pay tribute to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families during the game. The NFL started Salute to Service in 2011 to honor and support U.S. service members, veterans, and their families. So far, it has raised over $75 million for organizations like the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Pat Tillman Foundation, TAPS, USO, and Wounded Warrior Project.

This year, the U.S. Department of Defense said that active-duty military members cannot participate in NFL game-day events due to the government shutdown. That means there will be no official flyovers, military bands, or ceremonial units until funding returns.

Still, local groups are finding ways to honor veterans. In Ohio, the Tri-State Warbird Museum arranged a flyover with a historic B-25 bomber during a recent game. More private efforts like this are expected around the country.

The Bucs nominated Brian Ford, the team’s Chief Operating Officer, for the Salute to Service Award. He has worked with the Buccaneers for 19 years and has always shown strong support for the military. Under his leadership, the team has expanded its Salute to Service programs, creating special moments for service members and their families at every home game.

He also helps organize yearly visits to MacDill Air Force Base and presents the General H. Norman Schwarzkopf Military Family of the Year Award, which honors families that live by the value of service before self.

Even though this year’s celebrations will look smaller, the main goal remains the same. To show respect, love, and gratitude for those who serve and protect the nation.

Buccaneers honored military personnel in the early offseason, too

On July 31 this year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers featured military personnel in their 2025 training camp at the AdventHealth Training Center. The day felt just like a game day. Fans filled the stands to get a preview of The Krewe for the upcoming season.

Sarasota native Lee En Chung came to see the new players and said she enjoyed the experience. She even met rookie J. Thomas (#73).

“I got his autograph, so that was exciting,” she said. “It’s nice to see the rookies.”

Another fan, Kari-Jo Koshes from Sarasota, said she wants to see more than just another division win. The team also celebrated Military Day to honor U.S. service members and veterans. Will Bobbitt, another Sarasota resident, said moments like these make him an even bigger fan.

“A lot of our forces were out here. There were so many people. The front office was really involved too. That was really cool to see. I have a lot of appreciation for them,” he said.

Now, after 9 weeks, the Buccaneers have a 6-2 record and sit atop the NFC South. The Patriots are also at the top of the AFC East division with a 7-2 record. It will be an interesting battle between the winners.