Bucky Irving
Bucky Irving
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NFL Star Gets Baptized Ahead of Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints Game

Bucky Irving recently returned from a two-month injury absence and wasted no time in embarking on another huge life milestone.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are currently first in the NFC South. They face the New Orleans Saints in week 14. However, before the Bucs began their pre-game preparations, Mar'Keise "Bucky" Irving embarked on a major life milestone, as he was baptised ahead of the game.

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The star running back gave a speech in front of a small crowd before being baptised to a chorus of cheers. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay's star linebacker, uploaded the video to social media.

It's likely that most of Irving's teammates were in attendance for the baptism, which will only serve to bond the team further and give Irving a memorable moment when he looks back on his career.

Irving is in his second year with the Buccaneers and the NFL. He's played in five games this season, starting four of them. During those games, he's attempting 17.6 rushes per game, averaging 59.6 yards. Irving has missed over two months of the season with an injury. However, he was back in the lineup ahead of the team's Week 13 win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Bucky Irving Was Recently Fined $6,349

During the win over Arizona, Irving found himself in hot water with the NFL. During his return game, Irving ran for 61 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. He also caught two passes, accounting for 20 yards. However, upon his touchdown, both Irving and Baker Mayfield shook hands, which included the now-banned "nose wipe."

On Saturday, Dec. 6, Adam Schefter reported that the NFL had fined Irving $6,349 for a "violent gesture." Mayfield was also fined by the league, receiving a $14,491 penalty.

Being fined for a "violent gesture" and then being baptised the next day is indeed a juxtaposition. However, Irving is still in the early stages of his NFL career and is still learning what he can and can't do on the field. The celebration was only recently banned.

Nevertheless, the Buccaneers are getting healthy at the perfect time. They're quickly piecing together an impressive season, with the return of Irving and WR Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay is perfectly situated to continue stacking wins and dominating the AFC South. It might be too early to talk about a postseason run, but the signs are looking good.