Bucky Irving made a notable impression on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during his rookie year, but he is determined not to settle for repeating his previous success in the 2025 season. With a focus on continuous improvement, Irving’s growth mindset for 2025 season emphasizes adapting and pushing beyond his initial accomplishments.
Impressive Rookie Season Sets High Expectations
During his debut season, Irving amassed 1,514 yards from scrimmage, scored eight touchdowns, and ranked fourth in the NFL for yards per carry after being picked in the fourth round of the draft. While the Buccaneers would welcome a repeat of this performance, Irving acknowledges that the NFL demands ongoing growth and adjustments to stay ahead in the game.
Irving’s Approach to Staying Ahead
Reflecting on his mindset, Irving shared,
“I feel like once you always start something new, it’s going to have to slow down for you a little bit,”
indicating his awareness of the evolving challenges in the league. He added,
“When I first got thrown in, the game was moving pretty fast for me but yeah, as I just settled down and let the game – and just think about it like, ‘it’s just football.’ And not think about too [many] other things that are going on out there. But yeah, just always going back and looking at the film and looking at things that you can get better at and improve in and also not getting satisfied and stuck in last year, because it’s a new year. Nobody cares about what you did last year. It’s, ‘What can you do for me now?’ But I’ve always been that guy that pretty much never gets stuck in the past and always [am] where my feet [are] and work hard every day.”
—Bucky Irving, Running Back
Team Enhancements Fuel Optimism for Another Strong Run
The Buccaneers have also strengthened their offensive lineup by selecting wide receiver Emeka Egbuka in the first round, adding depth to their passing game. This combination of a skilled receiving corps with Irving’s rising talent primes Tampa Bay for optimistic prospects in pursuing another NFC South title in the coming season.
Outlook for the Buccaneers and Irving’s Continued Development
Bucky Irving’s growth mindset for 2025 season signals his relentless work ethic and readiness to evolve, which could be crucial for the Buccaneers’ success as they aim to build on their recent achievements. How Irving and the team adapt throughout the season will likely influence their competitiveness within the NFC South and the wider NFL landscape.