All Panthers

Random duck refuses to leave field where Panthers-Bucs are playing

A duck interrupted a major lowlight for the Panthers.

Zach Roberts

Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers punter Johnny Hekker (10) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers punter Johnny Hekker (10) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images / Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
In this story:

Midway through the third quarter, a duck made an appearance in the Carolina Panthers matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. During a blowout that immediately got worse, the bird refused to leave the field. An entire play took place before the field staff was able to get the duck off the field.

The Panthers have not been playing well all day, particularly on the defensive end. With another punt coming, the most interesting thing the CBS broadcast could find was the duck sitting randomly on the field.

Duck interrupts Panthers' blocked-punt misfortune

The broadcast cut away from the initial snap on the punt to showcase an oddity in the NFL: an animal on the field. Most games are played outdoors, but it's uncommon for any animal, be it a bird, squirrel, or even a cat, to be present on the playing field.

Before the cameras could get back on the actual game, the Panthers had their punt blocked. Poor blocking led to a free rusher who blocked Johnny Hekker's punt. The recovery was made with ease, and a touchdown return went without so much as an attempted tackle.

For a day full of lowlights for Carolina, that was a pretty bad one that put a bow on top of their impending loss. The punt return made it 41-14, and the duck's interruption prevented anyone from even seeing the full play.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

Carolina Panthers announce 5 roster moves, including a few surprises

What Bryce Young is doing better than any other QB since midseason

Why Panthers QB Bryce Young’s unimpressive numbers are deceiving

MLB star responds to Cam Newton’s hot take about baseball dying

Published
Zach Roberts
ZACH ROBERTS

Zachary is a graduate of Southern Adventist University. He earned a degree in Mass Communication with an emphasis in Writing and Editing. He has covered sports, video games, entertainment and is a lifelong Carolina Panthers fan.

Home/News