Bucky Irving and a duck steal the show in Tampa Bay’s dominant win

TAMPA, Fla. – On a day when Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving became the team’s first rookie since 2012 to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards, he chanted “Bucky!” Bucky! Bucky!” took on a slightly different tone when a duck appeared near the 20-yard line at Raymond James Stadium in the second half against the Carolina Panthers.

It’s unclear how the duck got there, but the female mallard was shown on the Jumbotron several times, causing fans to chant “Ducky!” Ducky! Ducky!” shouted.

Irving, who led all NFL rookies with 1,240 scrimmage yards before Sunday’s game, became a household name for the Oregon Ducks, earning Associated Press All-Pac-12 First Team, Coaches All-Pac-12 First Team and Pro honors Football Focus All-Pac-12 first team, Phil Steele All-Pac-12 first team and CSC Academic All-America first team.

His 1,033 rushing yards are also the most among NFL rookies. He also became the Bucs’ first rookie running back since Doug Martin in 2012 to rush for 1,000 yards, which was recognized with a special on-board video message.

The Duck’s appearance coincided with the blocking of a punt by outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, which was tied up by inside linebacker JJ Russell and returned 23 yards for a touchdown, increasing the score to 40-14. After another touchdown from Jalen McMillan, the Buccaneers extended their lead to 48-14.

The duck was guided gently and without incident to the Bucs sideline, much to the delight of the fans.

OH MY GOD, DUCK IN THE FIELD 🦆🦆🦆

Bucky Irving’s fans flock to Tampa pic.twitter.com/1NrJRGWo44

– JennaLaineESPN (@JennaLaineESPN) December 29, 2024

The Tampa Bay Duck Saga 🦆 pic.twitter.com/zw7kb4UjlO

– NFL (@NFL) December 29, 2024

A team official told ESPN that the duck was picked up by a game worker and carried from the sideline through Tunnel B. Once outside, it was allowed to roam freely and flew away, the official said, adding The person who picked up the duck had experience working on a farm.

“That was the craziest thing I’ve ever seen here,” wide receiver Mike Evans said of the duck. “That was our lucky duck. I’ve never seen us block a punt and then score a touchdown. When the duck flew across the field it was incredible.”

Irving also agreed, saying he considered the animal’s presence a good omen.

“It’s just an indication that the Ducks are going to win a national championship,” Irving said.

Left tackle Tristan Wirfs expressed disappointment that he missed the creature’s appearance due to an IV.

“I had cramps,” Wirfs said. “I saw it on TV though. I missed the blocked punt. I missed the duck. I missed that. I blocked.”

Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles said the animal won’t get a game ball.

“No,” Bowles said, laughing. “He saved the game. It could have been over 10 minutes earlier.”

However, two former Washington Huskies players – tight end Devin Culp and wide receiver Jalen McMillan – did not welcome the visitor because of his alleged loyalty to their former Pac-12 and current Big Ten rival. The Ducks defeated the Huskies 49-21 in this year’s Cascade Clash to complete a 12-0 season.

“You know, (tight ends) coach (Justin) Peelle is a duck, so he made sure me and (former Washington tight end) Cade (Otton) knew it was a duck on the field “That brought us luck, and not a husky,” said Culp, adding that it was the first time for him to experience the presence of a wild animal on the field during a game.

“I just thought it was funny. I was laughing the whole time when I saw the guy trying to get him off the field or whatever,” Culp said.

“I don’t even like ducks,” McMillan said, believing it was to take the wind out of the former Huskies’ sails since Culp was making his first NFL reception and linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka also played for the Huskies. “I wanted to take the duck off the field because that would have made the game worse for us. Once the duck was gone, we played better.”

McMillan said he appreciated Irving’s contributions.

“Bucky, man, the way he approaches every day is something I try to emulate – I just come in early and pay attention to how I work, so Bucky is a great guy, a great player. I’m looking forward to it.” he here.

When it was pointed out to McMillan that the duck might have been a fan of Irving, a member of his entourage, McMillan laughed and said, “I hope so.” Not mine.”