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Buccaneers’ Top Ten Moments Of 2016

By Bailey Adams

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of an official Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet on the sidelines at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of an official Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet on the sidelines at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Alterraun Verner (21) run with the ball after he intercepted it against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Alterraun Verner (21) run with the ball after he intercepted it against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 1- Alterraun Verner picks off Russell Wilson two days after his father’s passing

There may have been a couple of better plays this season, but there wasn’t a better moment than this. Veteran cornerback Alterraun Verner played with a heavy heart on November 27 against the Seahawks. Two days prior, his father passed away from a sudden heart attack. He missed Friday’s practice, but decided to play on Sunday to honor his late father. This happened:

Verner intercepted Russell Wilson in the first half before getting mobbed by his teammates. He stayed down on the ground, clutching the football. As he ran off the field, he was overcome with emotion. His teammates rallied behind him on the sideline, supporting him through what had to be one of the most important moments of his career. This was enough to make anyone emotional. Fans were overwhelmed with how special this was. On the television broadcast, you can hear a crack in the voice of play-by-play announcer Kenny Albert as he realizes it was no. 21 that came up with the pick.

The interception was part of Tampa Bay’s dominant defensive performance against Seattle. The defensive line dominated, the secondary reaped the benefits and the Bucs upset the Seahawks 14-5. It was one of the biggest wins in recent memory, and this moment just added meaning to it.

Yes, the win was monumental. But this moment was truly special. It was another example of how powerful sports can be. Verner showed a lot of strength by simply stepping onto the field for this game. The man lost his father just two days earlier, but decided that playing the game would be the best way to honor him. There’s no doubt that my father is one of the most important people in my life. I can’t say with any sort of certainty that I would’ve been able to do what Alterraun Verner did in such a tragic circumstance. This was undoubtedly the best (and most emotional) moment of the year.

Next: Do Buccaneers Have A Strong Core Already In Place?

Well, that’s a wrap on this list. 2016 was a memorable year for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. What was your favorite moment of the year? Let us know in the comments or on social media.

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