Devin White Discusses Playing Through Awful News
November 13th, 2022
Devin White describes playing after losing his father Thursday.
Bucs fans have likely heard what happened with Devin White. Makes Joe respect him even more.
White was on his way to Tampa International Airport on Thursday afternoon when he found out his father unexpectedly passed away. Joe doesn’t think anyone with the Bucs would have been surprised if White told the Bucs, “I can’t get on the plane. I have to head back to Louisiana.”
Who would have blamed him?
Instead, White headed to Munich. To play football. And White had a strong game today. Led the team with nine tackles with two sacks, a tackle for loss and two quarterback hits, plus a key forced fumble.
That’s a full day when your head is likely not fully locked into a game.
White said it was the structure of football and being focused on the game plan and film study that helped him these past few days.
“I mean, I kept it to myself because I’m a person that just can back myself up into a corner and handle everything and figure it out later,” White said. “As [game prep] got going and we had to continue to prepare for the Seahawks, who are a great team, I leaned on just being on the football field.
“Being out there with my brothers, that kind of put everything at ease, at least when we were out there. Getting to the hotel and I was back by myself, it was a little tougher, but while I was at practice it was just about doing the correct things to go out and win
the football game.”
Win the football game the Bucs sure did. Joe doesn’t know what you call that. Focus? Determination? Discipline?
Bucs coach Todd Bowles was impressed: “For him to even get on the plane, [White learned the news] right before we were leaving, and he still got on the plane to play the ballgame. … to come out and still play says a lot about the guy.”
The fact White put the unexpected death of his dad on the back burner and balled out says a lot.
November 13th, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Wow … just wow. I was already thinking how much it said about White for him to really improve his play after some heavy media and fan scrutiny… Now this on top. Don’t think I could’ve gotten on that plane.
November 13th, 2022 at 5:13 pm
Wow
That is strong
God Bless your family and comfort you
Sorry for your Loss
November 13th, 2022 at 5:24 pm
Prayers for you and your family Devin.
November 13th, 2022 at 5:28 pm
Thanks Devin–we needed it all today.
November 13th, 2022 at 5:31 pm
He deserves to be considered for NFL defensive player of the week
November 13th, 2022 at 5:40 pm
I remember when Favre’s Dad passed and he was on fire his next game. I guess something like that really makes one focus a lot stronger and play harder.
I hate that for you Devin, 45 is too young. He would be proud of you today though.
November 13th, 2022 at 5:42 pm
Epic stuff. A man’s man.
November 13th, 2022 at 5:42 pm
And some on this site want to trade him. Maybe he heard Sapp and is playing /leading like a capt.
November 13th, 2022 at 5:45 pm
He had himself a heck of a game and the Bucs needed him! Saying that, family and life are so much more important then a game. It’s crazy how many times in life that we feel we need to be at our job instead of making sure we’re ok or our family is ok. Too many times we choose work and we get older, look back and think it was a dumb decision. Hopefully he’ll have all the time needed during the break to do everything he needs to. Best of luck Devin, sorry for your loss.
November 13th, 2022 at 5:57 pm
Unbelievable, don’t know if I could have done that, so impressive. Prayers to you and our family Devin, no doubt your dad was there with you.
November 13th, 2022 at 6:07 pm
glory be
November 13th, 2022 at 6:16 pm
I’m quite sure his Dad would have wanted him to play…
It’s even more impressive because the passing was unexpected…..
November 13th, 2022 at 6:23 pm
I’ve been a critic. Not today. Super human effort.
November 13th, 2022 at 6:30 pm
Our condolences Devin.
November 13th, 2022 at 6:37 pm
so sorry for your loss brother.. awful..
November 13th, 2022 at 6:41 pm
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾❤️
I have been really hard on D White and his play.
Thanks little Homie appreciate u👊🏾
Rip Pa Pa Bear.
November 13th, 2022 at 6:47 pm
I’ve been critical also. He played great today. If you’re familiar with Devin’s story, you know he’s no stranger to tragedy. Prayers and condolences to DW, and his family.
November 13th, 2022 at 7:00 pm
I said before. I’ll say it again. D. White is a great LB. He will be the best LB in bucs history.
Prayers to you and your family. I know.
November 13th, 2022 at 7:13 pm
This was an epic performance under really rough circumstances. He could’ve missed this game and most of us would be totally supportive of that.
But play he did and it was spectacular.
Sorry for your loss DW. 🙏
November 13th, 2022 at 7:50 pm
Condolences to Devin White and his entire family. Losing the people you love never stops hurting, just know you can never stop making them proud of you today. Football is good for more than just the thrill of competition, and at times it can be an outlet for anything life can throw at you. Some of the best second family members I have were my brothers I grew up sharing the field with and White felt comfortable enough facing tragedy with his brothers
November 13th, 2022 at 8:56 pm
What MadMax and TBBF said. Win one for the Gipper.
November 13th, 2022 at 9:08 pm
Condolence Devin. Your dad was surely looking down at you. You played good today.
November 13th, 2022 at 9:25 pm
Truly sorry. We forget how much the families do to make these players great.
No doubt a great man laid to rest
November 13th, 2022 at 9:34 pm
Hopefully gets back in time for his Dad’s funeral so he can properly grieve
November 13th, 2022 at 10:50 pm
He didn’t put his Pop on the back burner. He honored him with his performance.
November 13th, 2022 at 11:23 pm
prayers for your family Devin. you’re a tough guy
November 14th, 2022 at 5:05 am
Sorry for your loss, Devin. You played your heart out today. Hope this puts a stop to the piling on from fans and media recently. The return of Hicks has given
you the chance to play your game and what a game it was !
November 14th, 2022 at 7:38 am
Devin played a great game . Hopefully he can get together with the family and gain some closure
November 14th, 2022 at 10:03 am
My heart goes out to you and your Family! Prayers and Rest in Peace.
November 15th, 2022 at 1:03 am
Hi Devin if you can hear me. Welcome back to the Bucs. Hope you had a nice vacation. Seems like you’ve been away a long time. Sorry for your loss.