During what was expected to be a routine NFL matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers, an unexpected visitor turned the spotlight away from the game itself. A duck’s unexpected appearance on the field at Raymond James Stadium during the game on Sunday quickly became the center of attention, creating a memorable viral moment.
As the Buccaneers were on their way to a significant 34-point victory over the Panthers, the game was briefly interrupted by an unexpected interloper—a duck. Anchor Brant, part of the Buccaneers Flag Crew, caught the nation’s attention as he tenderly handled the unexpected guest on the field. He was seen affectionately kissing and petting the bird, much to the delight of spectators who cheered him on for his gentle approach.
This feathered distraction caused a ten-minute delay in the play after it flew into the stadium, adding an unusual twist to the day’s events. Initially, it was Bruce Barter, a veteran ball boy with the Buccaneers, who was given the task of removing the duck from the field. Despite his 24 years of experience with the team, this was a first for Barter. “I said I don’t want to get the duck off the field. They said we need you to get the duck off the field. I said I’ll try,” Barter recounted his orders with humor.
Barter, who works as an IT professional by day, found himself without any prior experience in duck wrangling. He noted the popularity of the duck among the crowd and approached it with care. “I knew it could be an ugly situation as I was walking towards the duck,” he admitted, aware that handling the animal incorrectly might not sit well with the crowd. “I knew I was going to be booed as the bad guy,” Barter added with a chuckle, understanding the delicate balance required as he nudged the duck to safety.
The game’s entertainment was amplified when CBS’ play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle humorously narrated the ‘Tampa Duck Drama,’ while the cameras stayed focused on the feathered visitor. Remarkably, in the midst of this avian diversion, the cameras missed capturing the Buccaneers’ first blocked punt for a touchdown in 12 years.
Afterwards, Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles light-heartedly commented on the incident, acknowledging the delay with humor and the laughter of reporters. The team’s PR department even joined in the fun, creating a mock image of the duck donned in a Buccaneers jersey, further cementing the duck’s moment of fame. Anchor Brant was hailed as ‘Tampa’s Duck Whisperer,’ though he shared the credit with Barter, saying, “I should be elected to the Pro Bowl or something for at least getting it off the field,” punctuating the day’s events with a laugh.
While the Buccaneers celebrated a substantial win on the field, it was the unexpected encounter with a duck that truly stole the show. This lighthearted moment served as a charming reminder of the unpredictable nature of live sports, leaving players, officials, and fans alike with a tale to remember.
Source: Fox13news
