“In the Water That Had Broken Up in About 4 Pieces”: Tom Brady’s Backup Details His Jet Ski Rescue Mission, Saving Lives After Helicopter Crash

Tom Brady may have been Tampa Bay’s ticket to the Super Bowl, but now, a new hero has taken his spot. Brady’s backup QB received unprecedented appreciation and recognition. While the adoration from the NFL world was not spurred by his performance on the field, it stemmed from something even greater. Blaine Gabbert found himself in a very precarious situation that involved a helicopter’s emergency landing in the water.

In the face of danger, the Buccaneers’ backup QB acted on his instincts and received the gratitude of the community. So, what had the NFL world screaming their praise from the rooftops?

Tom Brady’s backup is Tampa Bay’s new favorite QB

The QB was instrumental in rescuing a family aboard a helicopter that crashed into the bay because of an engine failure. Gabbert and his brothers, who were nearby, hopped on their jet skis in only what can be described as a cinematically heroic moment. All three passengers and the pilot were rescued without serious injury. Gabbert and his brothers gave the passengers a lift to shore.

Read More: “We Raced Over There”: Tom Brady’s Backup QB Saves Four Precious Lives in Heroic Rescue

The QB was out to show his younger brother the yacht club when he witnessed the incident. He said, “I vaguely remember hearing a faint noise and so we turned around, left the yacht club and I remember looking to the west and seeing- it almost looked like a crew boat in the water, it had broken up into about four pieces and I vaguely remember seeing two lifejackets, so I was like ‘Alright we’ve got to go check this out’  It looked like they were in duress.” His quick thinking and reaction may have helped the situation from escalating into something more dangerous.

Gabbert stays humble in the spotlight

Blaine Gabbert is not usually in the spotlight for his prowess on the field. As the backup to the legendary Tom Brady, he has made himself pretty comfortable living in the seven-time Super Bowl champ’s shadow. But, this incident put Gabbert in the spotlight. And the 33-year-old basked in it with grace and humility. Gabbert wasn’t going to brag about his heroic deed. In fact, he appreciated the first responders who were promptly at the scene. Gabbert’s reaction to the appreciation he’s been receiving is very wholesome. The QB said, “I honestly wanted to stay anonymous. I just wanted to do the right thing at the right time.”

The QB’s actions have stirred conversations around the NFL world. The Tampa Bay police also named Gabbert an honorary member of the Tampa Police Marine Petrol. From a backup QB to the talk of the NFL world, Blaine Gabbert has had an adventurous couple of days. At the outset, the QB deserves every ounce of recognition and applause that comes his way for this heroic act.

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