Amanda Gorman, the poet who garnered international attention with her reading at Joe Biden's presidential inauguration, will perform at next month's Super Bowl LV.
The 22-year-old poet laureate will become the first poet to perform at the event, coming less than three weeks after her reading of The Hill We Climb stole the show in Washington DC.
Gorman's presence at the game in Tampa, Florida, on the morning of February 8 (AEDT) was announced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, who also revealed three honorary captains for the day, all of whom have served during the coronavirus pandemic.
Educator Trimaine Davis, nurse manager Suzie Dorner and Marine veteran James Martin will take part in the coin toss before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Kansas City Chiefs.
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, has been tasked with writing and reciting an original poem about the trio's impact before the game, which will be televised and shown inside the 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, according to the NFL's media release.
While 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 neighbourhood.
"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 recognise them during this special moment on Super Bowl Sunday."
AP
