Amanda Gorman to be first poet to perform at Super Bowl

Amanda Gorman will be the first poet to perform at the Super Bowl next month when she recites an original poem honoring three people who have served during the coronavirus, the NFL has announced.

Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that educator Trimaine Davis, nurse manager Suzie Dorner and Marine veteran James Martin will take part in the coin toss on 7 February in Tampa, Florida.

The trio was picked for embodying the NFL’s message of It Takes All of Us this season.

Gorman, the country’s first National Youth Poet Laureate, recited The Hill We Climb at the Biden inauguration on 20 January. She will recite her poem about the trio’s impact before the game, which will be televised and shown inside Raymond James Stadium.

Davis made sure to get his students and their families in Los Angeles devices and internet access, and he also hosted tech workshops to help people learn how to use the devices.

Dorner, who lost two grandparents to Covid-19, is the Covid ICU nurse manager at Tampa General Hospital and represents healthcare workers across the country as honorary captain.

Martin helped veterans, high school athletes and local youth connect virtually through the Wounded Warrior Project and by livestreaming events in Pittsburgh. He volunteered to livestream every home football game for Aliquippa High School so families could watch. He also has taken in needy children in his neighborhood.

“During this incredibly challenging time in our lives, Trimaine, Suzie, and James have exemplified the essence of leadership, each in their own way,” Goodell said. “We are grateful for their commitment and proud to share their stories and recognize them during this special moment on Super Bowl Sunday.”