Bucs pass rusher Shaq Barrett dedicated his pick-six during Tampa Bay’s win over the Chicago Bears to his late two-year-old daughter.
Barrett’s daughter, Arrayah, died earlier this year after drowning in the family’s swimming pool.
The former Broncos linebacker blew a kiss in the air after breaking the plane to seal the victory.
“I told her, ‘I love you, miss you and wish she was here,’” Barrett said after the 27-17 win.
Barrett had yet to score a touchdown during his stellar nine-year NFL career through Sunday.
Shaq Barrett dedicated his pick six during Tampa’s win over the Bears to his late daughter
Two-year-old Arrayah drowned in the swimming pool of her parental home on April 30
According to the pasrusher, the first Sunday was seen as a divine intervention from God.
“I certainly believe that,” Barrett said. “And then just talk, talk to God all the time. I just know that He won’t give us more than we can handle, even though it felt like He certainly did.
“He said He’s just setting us up – I can’t say better because what’s better than having my little girl here?
“But He’s preparing us for something that we need, and I’m just ready and waiting for it. And I’m going to believe in Him and certainly believe in this plan, and I feel like it was divine intervention to just be able to get that spotlight for my little girl.”
Bucs coach Todd Bowles praised Barrett’s efforts and celebrated the moment during his press conference.
‘It’s unbelievable. You can’t even fathom going through something like that,” he said of Barrett.
“To see him go through it and come out the other side – and I’m sure he still has days – but to play the way he’s playing now, to be where he is now, is unbelievable. ‘
Barrett and his wife Jordanna both also got tattoos of Arrayah to honor her memory
Arrayah was the youngest of four children Barrett has with his wife Jordanna (photo in April 2022)
Despite Sunday’s joy for Barrett and his family — who were in attendance at Raymond James Stadium — there are still lingering struggles, including last week’s pregame in Minnesota.
‘It was very difficult for me. I couldn’t stop crying,” Barrett said. “Called my wife, the coaches checked me. But then, out of nowhere, everything disappeared and I was able to focus on the game.
‘My wife says people are praying for me. So I actually felt like the wave of emotions just slid aside and I was able to really focus. This way I could feel the power of prayer.’