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Grieving Dad Scores Big Win for Tampa Bay

Bucs' kicker Matt Bryant boots 3 field goals day after burying infant son

By Jess Kilby,  Newser User

Posted Sep 29, 2008 6:31 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Green Bay Packers yesterday with crucial support from a player who had just buried his infant son the day before, reports USA Today. Kicker Matt Bryant’s 3-month-old son died last week of causes that are still unknown, but Bryant connected on three field goals in the 30-21 victory.

Bryant, who blew a kiss in the memory of his son after each field goal, said he played to honor his son’s name. "I miss him," Bryant said. "You know what? He was here with me. He helped out." Head coach Jon Gruden let Bryant decide whether he wanted to play and later awarded him the game ball. "I think he needed football today," Gruden said. "Boy, did he deliver."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant, center, hugs his wife, Melissa, and their two-year-old son, Tre, before the Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers play in a NFL football game Sunday,
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant, center, hugs his wife, Melissa, and their two-year-old son, Tre, before the Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers play in a NFL football game Sunday,   (AP Photo)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant kneels with teammates and members of the Green Bay Packers following their 30-21 win yesterday. Bryant's three-month-old son died on Wednesday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant kneels with teammates and members of the Green Bay Packers following their 30-21 win yesterday. Bryant's three-month-old son died on Wednesday.   (AP Photo)
After kicking a field goal,Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant blows a kiss to the memory of his dead baby boy.
After kicking a field goal,Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant blows a kiss to the memory of his dead baby boy.   (AP Photo/Reinhold Matay)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant, right, talks with Green Bay Packers' Greg Jennings after the Buccaneers defeated the Packers 30-21 yesterday. Bryant's three-month-old son died on Wednesday.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Matt Bryant, right, talks with Green Bay Packers' Greg Jennings after the Buccaneers defeated the Packers 30-21 yesterday. Bryant's three-month-old son died on Wednesday.   (AP Photo)
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Bucs' win no ordinary victory
St. Petersburg Times

Bryant played to honor infant son
Associated Press

 
NFL • Green Bay Packers • Tampa Bay Buccaneers • Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

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