Blaine Gabbert credits first responders for helicopter rescue

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Blaine Gabbert credits first responders for helicopter emergency water landing rescue

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 12/30/22

Blaine Gabbert was recognized as an honorary member of the Tampa Police Marine Patrol unit Friday after his assistance in rescuing four people following their helicopter emergency water landing on Thursday.

The Buccaneers' backup quarterback and his two younger brothers -- Miami of Ohio quarterback Brett Gabbert and former UCF signal-caller Tyler Gabbert -- were out on their jet skis Thursday near Davis Islands when they noticed the scary situation. Tom Brady's understudy said he and his brothers were simply "out having fun" and ended up in the "right place at the right time."

Gabbert said that the real credit should go to the first responders and without them there "in the nick of time, it could've turned bad."

After a helicopter crashed into the bay yesterday, @BlaineGabbert and his brothers, who were on jet skis, were instrumental in the rescue. pic.twitter.com/sg2pD1MM4Q
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 30, 2022

While talking with members of the media on Friday, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Major David Arthur called the former 10th overall draft pick a "citizen hero." According to Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times, Gabbert told reporters he "honestly wanted to stay anonymous" and wanted to "do the right thing at the right time."

Gabbert has been the backup signal-caller since the 2020 campaign when "TB12" joined the organization. The Buccaneers (7-8) will host the Carolina Panthers (6-9) at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday and will clinch the NFC South with a victory.

More must-reads: