Breaking Through: Bucky Irving Record Setting Power for the Buccaneers’ Ground Game

TAMPA, FL- Rookie running back Bucky Irving has swept the hearts of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans and also the team’s so far this season.

The 2024 fourth round pick out of Oregon has rushed for a team-high 580 yards and four touchdowns this season, and he’s chipped in another 252 yards on 32 receptions as he and fellow running back Rachaad White form a dynamic duo in the backfield.

“This was always a dream for me to get to this level and have success but,” Irving told The Bay Area Examiner, “At the same time, you always gotta stay humble and strive for more.”

This past Sunday against the New York Giants, Irving rushed for a career-high 88 yards, including an impressive 56-yard scamper that even quarterback Baker Mayfield helped with a block for Irving. He added another 64 yards on six catches.

Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen was asked if the play was practiced in Wednesday’s press conference and the answer was:

"Nope, [We don't] practice [that], but it is encouraging, in a way, because our thought process as a unit is to play for each other. That's all we talk about – what you put on tape, your teammates are going to see.”

Mayfield also talked about Irving’s impact on the offensive line, especially after Sunday.

“It's extremely explosive,” Mayfield said. “Throwing basically a screen pass to Bucky on a check down during quick game and having him break a couple tackles and reverse field for 30-something yards – that's huge.”

In a previous press conference last week, Head Coach Todd Bowles shared his thoughts on the touches Irving receives in the offense.

“He’ll continue to get his touches and sometimes it may be more, sometimes it may not be,” Bowles said, “From a football stand point, we gotta play how we play and see it but he definitely has earned more touches.”

With more touches and success, comes more love from the fans for Irving. On game days, you can hear the crowd cheer “BUCKY BUCKY BUCKY!”.

Before Sunday night, Irving jersey’s had to be custom made.

Irving has become a household name this year and now fans can now purchase his jersey online at shop.buccaneers.com.

“Its a blessing man,” Irving said, “My mom had been looking for a jersey so she finally was able to get one.”

Irving and the Bucs go on the road this week take on the Carolina Panthers as they try to get back into the playoff hunt. Kickoff is set for 4:05 p.m. on Fox.