Bucky Irving Gives Honest Reflection on Injury-Riddled Season

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving had a breakout rookie season in 2024, rushing for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns, as well as adding 47 catches for 392 yards. However, he struggled to replicate that success in 2025, battling through a series of injuries. Irving credits his down season for helping him learn more about himself, stating, "I found out a lot about myself last year because I've been playing football since I was four and that was my first time like ever being away from the game for being hurt."

He believes this experience made him stronger in the end. The Buccaneers are optimistic that Irving will return to his 2024 form or improve upon it this season. If he is fully healthy and at his best, Irving could become one of the league's top running backs and receive a significant contract in the near future. Irving acknowledges that injuries are an inevitable part of the game, emphasizing that "we play a physical game.

We play the running back position. We get banged up every week. At some point, some adversity's gonna come in life or playing this game." As a fourth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Irving played college football at Minnesota and Oregon, where he amassed 2,937 yards and 20 touchdowns.