Shaq Barrett played a key role in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 2 win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. The Bucs went 2-0 after securing an impressive 27-17 win over Chicago, and it was Barrett who sealed the victory with a crucial pick-6 with just two minutes remaining in the game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Star Shaq Barret Seals Win Vs. Bears
This was the first career touchdown for Barrett, who is coming off a season-ending MCL and ACL injury from last year. It was a memorable moment for him no doubt, and the fact that it sealed the victory for his team on Sunday made the occasion even more special.
Shaq Barrett pick-six! Huge play for the @Buccaneers
📺: #CHIvsTB on FOX⁰📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/FhXtx7w3wW pic.twitter.com/06xXbLoBGl
— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023
Shaq Barrett Dedicates Pick-6 to Departed Daughter
To celebrate his massive touchdown, Barrett decided to blow a kiss to the sky. It was a touching gesture to honor his two-year-old daughter, Arrayah, who passed away this past summer due to a drowning accident in their own home.
After the game, Barrett shed some light on what was going through his mind after his game-sealing pick-6:
“I always play for my family already but then having that extra incentive, it makes me want to go a little harder for her,” Barrett said, via Josh Alper of PFT. “It never stops sucking. It is always going to suck but to be able to shine a spotlight on her a little bit and when the camera was on me after I made the play, I told her, ‘I love you. I miss you. Wish you were here.’ I am glad I am able to still get some spotlight for her and to the Lord above because He is the reason we are here right now. I am just trusting His plan.”
This is tough to hear for anyone out there, but for a parent like myself, this is simply heartbreaking. That little girl had so much ahead of her, and there are just no words to express the sorrow Barrett and his family must have felt — and continue to feel — following the tragedy.
It’s also truly inspiring to hear Shaq Barrett speak about his faith amid this unimaginable trial he has faced. The Buccaneers star’s trust in the Almighty remains steadfast amid all the pain, and surely, this is something we can and should all learn from.
Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to Arrayah and the rest of the Barrett family.
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