In Amanda Gorman's second history-making feat in as many months, on Feb. 7 she became the first person ever to recite a poem at the Super Bowl. The groundbreaking moment came just about two weeks after the 22-year-old read another of her works, "The Hill We Climb," at Joe Biden's Jan. 20 presidential swearing-in, making her the youngest inaugural poet to date.
Gorman's part in the Super Bowl was announced at the end of January, a week after her inauguration appearance. The NFL tapped Gorman, who became the nation's first National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017, to write and perform an original poem in honor of the game's three honorary captains: Los Angeles educator Trimaine Davis, COVID ICU nurse manager Suzie Dorner of Tampa, and Marine veteran James Martin.
"What's most exciting for me isn't just the placement of poetry at the forefront of the most watched U.S. television broadcast, but that this poem will honor three heroes who have served their communities during the coronavirus pandemic. I can't wait for the world to hear the stories of these inspiring people making a difference in trying times," Gorman wrote in an Instagram post ahead of her Super Bowl recitation. "When I was called with the idea of honoring these three amazing change-makers, I was so touched by their altruism."
She also noted that she had been approached about honoring the trio of "warriors" at the event long before she had even been invited to the inauguration, and that her Super Bowl spot was filmed well in advance of the actual game, "following strict Covid protocols," in her hometown of L.A.
What a moment. @TheAmandaGorman #SBLV pic.twitter.com/v8VM9uhPwwFebruary 7, 2021
Her powerful poem, titled "Chorus of the Captains," told the stories of Davis, Dorner, and Martin, and honored not only the three Super Bowl captains, but also their peers on the frontlines of the pandemic. Read the full text of her poem here:
Today we honor our three captains
For their actions and impact in
A time of uncertainty and need.
They've taken the lead,
Exceeding all expectations and limitations,
Uplifting their communities and neighbors
As leaders, healers, and educators.
James has felt the wounds of warfare,
But this warrior still shares
His home with at-risk kids.
During COVID he's even lent a hand
Live-streaming football for family and fans.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Trimaine is an educator who works non-stop,
Providing his community with hotspots,
Laptops, and tech workshops,
So his students have all the tools
They need to succeed in life and in school.
Suzie is the ICU nurse manager at a Tampa hospital.
Her chronicles prove that even in tragedy, hope is possible.
She lost her grandmothers to the pandemic,
And fights to save other lives in the ICU battle zone,
Defining the frontline heroes risking their lives for our own.
Let us walk with these warriors,
Charge on with these champions,
And carry forth the call of our captains!
We celebrate them by acting
With courage and compassion,
By doing what is right and just.
For while we honor them today,
It is they who every day honor us.
Andrea Park is a Chicago-based writer and reporter with a near-encyclopedic knowledge of the extended Kardashian-Jenner kingdom, early 2000s rom-coms and celebrity book club selections. She graduated from the Columbia School of Journalism in 2017 and has also written for W, Brides, Glamour, Women's Health, People and more.
-
21 Spring Essentials in Madewell, Banana Republic, and Shopbop's Flash Sales
Don’t let these can’t-miss sales pass you by.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
'Shōgun' Is a Masterpiece—Will There Be More Episodes?
With those ratings, never say never.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
32 Child Stars Who Have Aged Like Fine Wine
They made the notoriously bumpy transition to adulthood look easy.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
By Andrea Park Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything We Know
Here's everything we know on the upcoming episodes.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Kim Cattrall Didn't See or Speak to Her Costars When Filming 'And Just Like That' Cameo
That's some type of commitment.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
The 65 Best K-Dramas You'll Be Completely Hooked On
Wait, how is it already 2 a.m.?
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated
-
Selena Gomez Revealed Meryl Streep Is Joining 'Only Murders in the Building' Season 3
Fans are losing it.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
The 60 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated