Sports and poetry don’t seem like they naturally go together, but Amanda Gorman performed a sincere ode to health care workers, educators and veterans before Super Bowl 55 kick off. Gorman captured the nation’s attention with a stirring poem at President Joe Biden’s inauguration in late January. Since then, the young poet has been catapulted into the spotlight, but Super Bowl event organizers told USA TODAY Sports that the performance had been planned before she made a splash at the inauguration.
Right before the coin toss, the NFL brought out the honorary captains for the game—US Marine vet James Martin, educator Trimaine Davis and ICU nurse manager, Suze Dorner. Gorman performed a pre tapped poem that celebrated the hard work, dedication and selfless spirit of everyone who has continued to serve the community through the pandemic.
What a moment. @TheAmandaGorman #SBLV pic.twitter.com/v8VM9uhPww
— NFL (@NFL) February 7, 2021
“Poetry at the Super Bowl is a feat for art & our country, because it means we’re thinking imaginatively about human connection even when we feel siloed. I’ll honor 3 heroes who exemplify the best of this effort. Here’s to them, to poetry, & to a #SuperBowl like no other,” Gorman tweeted.
Poetry at the Super Bowl is a feat for art & our country, because it means we’re thinking imaginatively about human connection even when we feel siloed. I’ll honor 3 heroes who exemplify the best of this effort. Here’s to them, to poetry, & to a #SuperBowl like no other 💛
— Amanda Gorman (@TheAmandaGorman) February 7, 2021
Without question, Gorman was a hit.
AMANDA 👏🏾 GORMAN 👏🏾 this poem paying tribute to the honorary captains is beautiful @TheAmandaGorman
— Anika Reed (@heyitsanika) February 7, 2021
Yes, Amanda Gorman.
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) February 7, 2021
Amanda Gorman shines again.
A beautiful poem for the #SuperBowl. ❤️
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) February 7, 2021
I think it's very cool they are playing a football game to celebrate the Amanda Gorman poetry reading
— Leslie Grossman (@MissLeslieG) February 7, 2021
I think I’m in love! #AmandaGorman #SuperBowl #beautiful ♥️ pic.twitter.com/wbbLHC06D9
— Sam Stitches (@SammiStitches) February 7, 2021
Amanda Gorman is RIVETING! She is powerful. She is inspirational. She is uplifting.
I. AM. IN. AWE.— Glenn Kirschner (@glennkirschner2) February 7, 2021
Happy Sunday to Amanda Gorman and Amanda Gorman only.
— Arielle (Ari) Chambers (@ariivory) February 7, 2021
