Tampa Bay Buccaneers pass rusher Shaquil Barrett sealed Sunday's 27-17 win over the Chicago Bears with a 4-yard pick-six on a screen pass.
The phenomenal read from Barrett iced the victory, putting the Bucs at 2-0 to open the season. But Barrett's mind, in that moment, was elsewhere.
Barrett's 2-year-old daughter Arrayah drowned in a pool in April, a heartbreaking loss that will stick with the family forever. After the score, Barrett blew a kiss to the heavens in her memory.
"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 told reporters after the game, . "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."
It's been a rough year for Barrett, who tore his Achilles in Week 8 last season. Then the tragedy struck in April.
Barrett has dedicated the 2023 season to Arrayah. It's off to a good start with a sack and a pick-6 on Sunday.
"It's unbelievable. You can't even fathom going through something like that," head coach Todd Bowles said of Barrett. "To see him go through it and come out on the other side -- and I'm sure he still has days -- but to play like he's playing right now, to be where he is right now is unbelievable."
