The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are trending upwards heading into the homestretch of the regular season. Not only did they pick up a much-needed win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13, but they are also beginning to get healthy on offense, as wide receiver Chris Godwin and running back Bucky Irving have both returned to the field in recent weeks.
Irving suited up for the first time in over two months against the Cardinals, and he made an immediate impact for his team in his return to the field. However, Irving has found himself in some trouble with the NFL, as it was announced he would be punished for his controversial actions during his team’s latest win.
Bucky Irving Fined for Controversial Celebration
Irving entered the 2025 campaign as Tampa Bay’s lead running back, having taken the job away from Rachaad White. While he enjoyed a strong start to his campaign, he picked up foot and shoulder injuries that led to him missing the team’s next seven games, and when considering all the other players who were forced to miss time during this stretch, that only made Irving’s absence hurt more.
Irving finally got himself back on the field in Week 13, and he immediately ran for 61 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, while also catching two passes for 20 yards. With Irving joining Godwin back on the field, and wide receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan both close to getting back on the field, Tampa Bay’s offense suddenly looks very dangerous heading into the final few weeks of the regular season.
The Bucs’ win over the Cardinals seemed like a perfect day for Irving, but as it turns out, it wasn’t. After Irving’s touchdown, he and Mayfield hit their own handshake together, which involves the “nose wipe” celebration, which was banned by the league entering the season. Sure enough, the league took note of Irving’s “violent gestures” and looped back around to hand him a $6,349 fine.
“These ‘violent gestures’ resulted in a $14,491 fine for Baker Mayfield and a $6,349 fine for Bucky Irving,” Adam Schefter of ESPN said in a post on X.
Buccaneers Looking to Continue Winning Ways in Week 14
GettyTampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving.
Irving’s injury absence was tough not just on the team, but it was also tough on him. There’s no doubt he was pumped to be back on the field scoring touchdowns for Tampa Bay, but he took things a bit too far with this celebration. Whether or not he agrees with the decision doesn’t matter, as he will have to pay this fine one way or another.
Moving on to Week 14, the Bucs will look to further insulate themselves atop the NFC South division by picking up a win over the New Orleans Saints. Tampa Bay was always going to be favored to win this game, but with its offense getting healthy, this contest could quickly become a blowout if the Buccaneers are firing on all cylinders. Kickoff for this divisional matchup is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon.
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