Former National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman recited her “Chorus of the Captains” poem honoring the NFL’s three honorary captains for the Super Bowl LV on Sunday (Feb. 7).
Gorman rocked a baby blue embellished coat during her poetry reading, which featured footage of the three individuals the NFL chose to honor for their community-based work during the COVID-19 pandemic: Trimaine Davis, an LA teacher who provided laptops and WiFi access for his students’ remote learning; Suzie Dorner, a Tampa Bay General Hospital nurse manager who’s been working at the COVID ICU ward; and James Martin, a Pittsburgh-based Marine veteran virtually connecting families through the Wounded Warrior Project and taking in local kids facing issues at home.
“Today we honor our three captains for their actions and impact in a time of uncertainty and need. They’ve taken the lead, exceeding all expectations and limitations, uplifting their communities and neighbors as leaders, healers and educators,” Gorman described of the three individuals. “Let us walk with these warriors, charge on with these champions and carry forth the call of our captains. Let us celebrate them by acting with courage and compassion, by doing what is right and just. For while we honor them today, it is they who every day honor us.”
Gorman makes history by becoming the first poet to perform ahead of the Super Bowl. Davis, Dorner and Martin also participated in the official on-field coin toss.
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Poetry at the Super Bowl is a feat for art & our country, because it means we’re thinking imaginatively about human connection even when we feel siloed. I’ll honor 3 heroes who exemplify the best of this effort. Here’s to them, to poetry, & to a #SuperBowl like no other 💛
— Amanda Gorman (@TheAmandaGorman) February 7, 2021
The 22-year-old L.A.-based poet and Harvard graduate also became the youngest poet to write and recite a piece at a presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, when she recited “The Hill We Climb” at the inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris on Jan. 20.
Watch Gorman’s poetry recital at the Super Bowl LV and read the transcript below.
What a moment. @TheAmandaGorman #SBLV pic.twitter.com/v8VM9uhPww
— NFL (@NFL) February 7, 2021
"Chorus of the Captains," a poem by @TheAmandaGorman to honor James Martin, Trimaine Davis, Suzie Dorner and community heroes everywhere. #SBLV pic.twitter.com/ya5dwnYWMD
— NFL (@NFL) February 7, 2021