Health Care Workers Unwind on Super Bowl Sunday

“I almost didn’t believe it,” said Moffitt oncologist Dr. Brandon Blue, as he discussed the moment he received the email that said he would be joining 7,500 vaccinated health care workers at Super Bowl LV.

“When I got the email, I didn’t think it was true. It took me until the next day to realize what was really happening,” Blue said.

Blue, who worked for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers street team while in high school, thought his chances of having his name selected in the ticket drawing were slim.

“I viewed it like the lottery. I thought I’ll play, but I doubt I’ll win anything,” he said.

After making sure that the email was real, Blue’s excitement kicked in and he no longer could keep the secret to himself. He told everyone he knew that he would be going to the big game, and they were just as excited as he was.

For Blue and other health care workers, the past year has been spent on the front lines battling the pandemic. Now, Blue says Sunday is a day where they get to have a physical and mental break and simply enjoy the moment.

“As hard as we’ve worked in the last 12 months, it’s nice to have a break, to turn off emails and pagers. It will feel good to unwind,” he said.

Blue is looking forward to three things come Sunday: the pre-game concert, seeing the Bucs play on the big stage, and of course, the halftime show.

“Because of COVID-19, I haven’t been to a concert in over a year,” Blue said. “I mean, you can sing in the shower, but nothing tops the concert feeling and jamming to good music.”

A St. Petersburg native, Blue says if he ever goes to another Super Bowl, it will not top the experience of Sunday’s game.