Inaugural poet Amanda Gorman delivered a poem ahead of Super Bowl LV honoring three “community heroes” chosen by the NFL to serve as honorary captains at the championship game.
Her poem was a tribute to educator Trimaine Davis, nurse manager Suzie Dorner, and Marine Corps veteran James Martin.
Read a transcript of her comments below:
Today we honor our three captains
For their actions and impact
A time of uncertainty and need.
They have taken charge
Exceed all expectations and limitations,
Uplift their communities and neighbors
As leaders, healers and educators.
James has felt the wounds of warfare,
But this warrior still shares
His home with children at risk.
During Covid he even helped a hand
Live football for family and fans.
Trimaine is an educator who works non-stop,
Providing his community with hotspots,
Laptops and technical workshops,
So his students have all the tools
They must succeed in life and in school.
Suzie is the ICU nurse manager at a Tampa hospital.
Her chronicles prove that even in tragedy hope is possible.
She lost her grandmothers to the pandemic
And fight to save other lives in the ICU battle area,
Define the heroes on the front lines who risk their lives for ours.
Let’s walk with these warriors
Carry on with these champions,
And carry out the call of our captains!
We celebrate them by acting
With courage and compassion,
By doing what is right and right.
While we honor them today,
They are the ones who honor us every day.
“Chorus of the Captains”, a poem by @RTLnews in honor of James Martin, Trimaine Davis, Suzie Dorner and community heroes everywhere. #SBLV pic.twitter.com/ya5dwnYWMD
– NFL (@NFL) February 7, 2021
What a moment. @RTLnews #SBLV pic.twitter.com/v8VM9uhPww
– NFL (@NFL) February 7, 2021