Despite family tragedy, Bucs' Shaquil Barrett focusing on season ahead
Tampa Bay Buccaneeers linebacker Shaquil Barrett is physically at the team's mandatory minicamp this week, but he could be forgiven if his thoughts were elsewhere.
"Shaq is one of the mentally toughest character guys I know," Bucs coach Todd Bowles said Tuesday. "To have him out here still trying to get ready -- I'm sure it's not easy -- but he's handling it and we're behind him."
Less than two months ago, Barrett's two-year-old daughter Arrayah fell into a swimming pool at the family's home and drowned.
Although Barrett, who is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon, isn't participating in practice, he is out on the field and supporting his teammates.
"That's a testament to him," Bowles said.
Barrett, 30, is a two-time Pro Bowler with the Bucs -- in 2021 and in 2019, when he led the NFL with 19.5 sacks.
He's also been a member of two Super Bowl championship squads, in 2019 with Tampa Bay and as a rookie in 2015 with the Denver Broncos.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bucs LB Shaquil Barrett attends minicamp in wake of daughter's death
