Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head coach Todd Bowles praised Shaquil Barrett’s mental toughness Tuesday after the veteran linebacker returned to practice with the team this week, less than two months after his 2-year-old daughter drowned in a crash.
Barrett, whose season last year was interrupted by a torn Achilles tendon in Week 8, attended the Bucs Mandatory Minicamp this week.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett against the Kansas City Chiefs at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on October 2, 2022. (Kim Klement/USA Today Sports)
According to USA Today, Barrett still appeared despite not practicing yet. For Bowles, he says a lot about Barrett’s character.
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«That’s a testament to him,» Bowles told reporters. «Shaq is one of the mentally toughest guys I know.
«Having him here still trying to get ready, I’m sure it’s not easy, but he’s handling it and we’re behind him.»
Shaquil Barrett of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a mandatory minicamp at the AdventHealth Training Center on June 13, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
Barrett’s young daughter, Arrayah, died in April when she drowned in the family pool at their Tampa home.
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Police responded and the girl was transported to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later.
“Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordanna and the entire Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time,» the Bucs said in a statement at the time.
«While there are no words that can bring true comfort at a time like this, we offer our support and love as they begin to process this profound loss of their beloved Arrayah.»
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett looks at the scoreboard during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on October 27, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Alex Menendez)
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Barrett, 30, is entering his fifth season with the Buccaneers. He appeared in eight games last season, recording 31 tackles and three sacks. He was a member of two Super Bowl-winning teams, including when the Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers in 2016.