Two players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team selected for USAWFL veteran showcase in Pittsburgh
Hillsborough County's commitment to inclusive athletics will take center stage this month as members of its Adaptive Sports program head to the national spotlight for the 2026 USA Wheelchair Football League Veteran All-Star Game. The event, hosted by Move United in partnership with the Bob Woodruff Foundation and the National Football League, will be held April 24 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as part of the city's NFL Draft Week festivities.
Eighteen veteran athletes from across the nation will compete, representing Team Stars and Team Stripes in a showcase of elite adaptive talent. Among the participants are two military veterans from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team, KD Patterson and Oral Matthews. Patterson says it's a privilege to meet and compete with veterans from across the country.
"It's all about being a part of something that is bigger than ourselves," said Patterson. "We're excited to showcase that we can do whatever we want when we put our minds to it."
Joining the veterans from the Tampa Bay area is Adan Carbajal, who will serve as head coach for Team Stars. Carbajal says it's an honor to be a part of the event that aims to spread awareness about adaptive sports.
"These guys have a lot of pride to be able to represent the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team," said Carbajal. "To be part of the NFL Draft is great for the sport. It's going to be an eye-opening experience for anyone unfamiliar with adaptive sports."
Hillsborough County's Adaptive Sports Program is a cornerstone for athletes with disabilities, offering opportunities for competition, rehabilitation, and community connection. With more than 300 athletes participating each year, the program promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle. For Patterson, it provides a brotherhood.
"Wheelchair football has helped me tremendously," said Patterson. "It has helped me build a sense of community with guys that I would have normally never had the chance to meet."
For anyone with a disability interested in adaptive sports, Patterson says to give it a try.
"It sounds hard at first and may feel difficult in the moment, but once you start learning and developing more skills, the better you'll feel about it," said Patterson.
Learn more about Hillsborough County's Adaptive Sports program and the wide variety of sports offered for both youth and adults. Support the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wheelchair Football Team by learning more about the Wheelchair Football League 2026 Veteran All-Star Game, including bios of all the participating athletes.