The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' crucial clash against the Carolina Panthers had to be paused momentarily on Sunday when a regular spectator strutted onto the field.
In a fun twist to the NFC South matchup, a duck found its way onto the Raymond James Stadium turf during the third quarter of the Bucs' dominant 48-14 victory.
The female mallard appeared unfazed on the 20-yard sideline, despite the high-stakes action unfolding around her, as she managed to secure a great view of a blocked punt by Tampa Bay.
Buccaneers outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka blocked the punt, which was recovered by inside linebacker JJ Russell and returned 23 yards for a touchdown, extending the score to 41-14.
The score remained 41-14 for the remainder of the third quarter, before Tampa Bay continued its rout in the fourth with another touchdown.
A duck wandered onto the field at Raymond James Stadium during an NFL game on Sunday.
The Buccaneers' victory over the Panthers was briefly halted when the duck was ejected.
The duck found its way onto the field after it appeared to have flown toward Raymond James Stadium and selected the grass as its landing spot.
After attempting to evade multiple attempts by stadium staff to carry him off the field, the duck was eventually gently led to the Bucs bench without incident.
The duck was picked up by a game day worker who was able to get it off the sideline and into the tunnel, according to ESPN. They then released him outside, where he flew away.
The bird repeatedly appeared on the jumbotron to the delight of fans inside the stadium, who applauded each time it appeared on the big screen and even began chanting, 'Duck!'
“That was the craziest thing I've ever seen here,” wide receiver Mike Evans said of the duck.
'That was our good luck duck. I've never seen us block a punt and then score a touchdown. “When the duck flew into the field, it was incredible.”
The Buccaneers sealed the victory thanks to Baker Mayfield's five touchdown passes.
Former Oregon Duck Bucky Irving, who claimed the duck's appearance was a sign that his old school was going to win the national championship, rushed for 113 yards on 20 carries, while Evans caught eight passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns.
With the win, Tampa Bay improved to 9-7 and kept its playoff chances alive. Todd Bowles' team received an additional boost later Sunday night when the Atlanta Falcons were upset by the Washington Commanders in overtime.
The result put the playoff race firmly in Tampa Bay's hands. With one game remaining in the regular season, if the Bucs can prevail over the New Orleans Saints on the weekend, then they will clinch their fourth consecutive NFC South Division title.