Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ edge rusher Shaq Barrett emerged as a driving force behind his team’s victory on Sunday.
As the Buccaneers triumphed over the Bears late in the fourth quarter, Barrett found solace in his daughter Arrayah’s memory.
Shaq Barrett glad to shine a spotlight on late daughter after Sunday touchdown. https://t.co/qTu9VtS4pk
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) September 18, 2023
Arrayah tragically drowned in the family’s swimming pool in April, leaving Barrett and his family devastated.
This unimaginable tragedy placed a heavy burden on Barrett’s heart throughout the season, making his performance even more exceptional.
“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 the team’s website. “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.”
