On Thursday evening in Tampa, Florida, Buccaneers backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert helped rescue multiple people involved in a helicopter crash, per ESPN.
According to authorities, a helicopter carrying four people including the pilot crashed upon its approach to Peter O. Knight Airport at around 5 p.m. local time. The four onboard heard a loud bang, and the helicopter quickly lost power. They descended into the water near a Yacht Club, and within minutes they were met by two jet skis. Gabbert was driving one of the jet skis, while two of his brothers were driving the other, and the victims were promptly taken to land. All three passengers and the pilot were safely rescued.
During a press conference on Friday, Gabbert explained his side of the story and said that he was out on the water with his brothers when he saw the helicopter. "It was just a pretty crappy situation that turned good in the end," Gabbert said. "I was just right place, right time, I guess. The credit really goes out to Tampa PD, fire department, sheriff's department because they were there within five seconds. It was pretty remarkable. … It wasn't me, just my brothers and I out having fun."Â
Gabbert has been presented with a “unit coin” from the Tampa Police Department’s marine unit in honor of his assistance.Â
