NFL fans on Sunday may have wondered what the duck was doing when the bird flew onto the field at Raymond James Stadium during the game. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Victory over the Carolina Panthers.
The Ducks showed up around 5:30 to play in the third quarter. CBS broadcasts began focusing on the animal when pirates were banned Panthers kick. JJ Russell returned the ball 23 yards to the end zone for a touchdown.
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December 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Duck stands on the field during the NFL game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Photos by Nathan Ray Sibick-Imagine)
One of the pirate employees was able to get the duck to safety. Fans on social media went wild.
The score gave Tampa Bay a 41-14 lead. The Buccaneers won the game 48-14 after Jalen McMillan scored his second goal in the fourth quarter.
The appearance of the Duck took the internet and the NFL by storm as the league made the Duck a new header image on its X account. But Macmillan wasn't quite sold. He said he saw the duck and didn't like it.
“It was one of the bad moments of the game – that duck landing on the pitch.” He told WFLA-TV. “Ducks are not good luck. They're weird. I hate ducks.”
December 29, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; The Ducks interrupted play between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. (Photos by Nathan Ray Sibick-Imagine)
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McMillan didn't say exactly why he hates the Ducks, but it could have something to do with his alma mater. The wide receiver came to Washington and had to face Oregon ducks In his professional life. The two schools are rivals.
Ducks are also considered a source of good luck in some cultures, even if McMillan isn't a fan. The duck appeared in the punt, and it turned out to be good luck for Tampa Bay, not Carolina.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan faces off against the Carolina Panthers during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Tampa, Florida. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
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The Buccaneers selected McMillan in the third round of the 2024 draft. The rookie has 32 catches for 387 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Another win and the Bucs are in the playoffs.
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