Bucs' Shaq Barrett Dedicates First Career Touchdown To Late Daughter

TAMPA, FL — Just after scoring his first career touchdown — helping to secure the Buccaneers' win against the Chicago Bears Sunday — Shaq Barrett spoke directly to his late two-year-old daughter, Arrayah, who drowned earlier this year.

"Camera was on me after I made the play I told her, 'I love you, miss you, and wish you were here,'" Barrett, the Buccaneers' outside linebacker, told reporters at a post-game press conference. "[Grief is] always going to suck but at least I’m able to shine some spotlight on her a little bit."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers players, coaches, management, and fans reached out to Barrett and his family with support after news broke in April that his daughter, Arrayah, drowned in the swimming pool at the family’s Beach Park home in South Tampa.

According to the Tampa Police Department, officers responded to Barrett’s home on the morning of April 30 for a report of a child who had fallen into a swimming pool. Tampa Fire Rescue responded and began lifesaving measures and then took the child to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordanna and the entire Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time," the Buccaneers said in a statement at the time. "While no words can provide true comfort at a time such as this, we offer our support and love as they begin to process this very profound loss of their beloved Arrayah."

Barrett, 30, and wife, Jordanna, were high school sweethearts. They have three older children: Shaquil Jr., Braylon and Aaliyah.

Arrayah was the youngest. Jordanna Barrett was pregnant with Arrayah when the Bucs defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl in Tampa on Feb. 8, 2021. She was born two months later.

Barrett (No. 58) has played five seasons with the Bucs. He was signed by the team as a free agent in 2019 and led the NFL with 19.5 sacks.

In October, Barrett's season was cut short after he suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the third quarter of a 27-22 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

According to the Bucs, Barrett recently signed a $72 million contract with the team with $34 million guaranteed.

D'Ann Lawrence White contributed reporting.