The list of bright spots on the Bucs offense in 2024 is long, but rookie running back Bucky Irving has to be near the top of that list. And now, he has etched his name into franchise history by becoming the first Buccaneer to rush for 1,000 yards in a season since Doug Martin did it in 2015.

In the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Panthers, Irving broke off a 34-yard run to bring himself within just six yards of 1,000 for the season.

He then topped the 1,000-yard mark one possession later with a 6-yard run, making history. With that, he not only became the franchise’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Martin in 2015 but also the first rookie to accomplish that feat since Martin did so in 2012.

Bucs RB Bucky Irving Photo by: USA Today

Irving is the ninth running back in Bucs history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season, and his 1,000-yard campaign is the 13th overall in franchise history. Here’s the list as it stands now that the 2024 fourth-round pick has been added to it:

1. James Wilder (Two – 1984, 1985)
2. Doug Martin (Two – 2012, 2015)
3. Ricky Bell (1979)
4. Errict Rhett (Two – 1994, 1995)
5. Cadillac Williams (2005)
6. Reggie Cobb (1992)
7. Warrick Dunn (Two – 1998, 2000)
8. LeGarrette Blount (2010)
9. Bucky Irving (2024)

Now that he’s crossed over the 1,000-yard mark, Irving will now look to rise up the ranks of the Bucs’ all-time single-season rushing leaders. He appears likely to finish in the top 10, as he is nearing the 1,026 yards that Warrick Dunn ran for in 1998.

Irving is also primed to become the third-leading rookie rusher in franchise history, as he’s likely to surpass LeGarrette Blount (1,007 yards in 2010) and Errict Rhett (1,011 in 1994) soon. That would seemingly be the ceiling for him barring something extraordinary, as it would take a lot for him to rise above Cadillac Williams (1,178 yards in 2005) for second-most rushing yards by a Buccaneer rookie.

Bucky Irving Has Sparked The Revival Of The Bucs’ Run Game

Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photo by: USA Today

A big part of the reason the Bucs are still alive in the playoff race despite their year-long struggles on defense is the revival of their rushing attack. After finishing dead last in rushing under Byron Leftwich in 2022 and Dave Canales in 2023,

Tampa Bay has completely flipped the script under new offensive coordinator Liam Coen this season. Entering play on Sunday, Coen’s offense boasted the seventh-ranked rushing attack in the league, averaging 143.7 yards per game on the ground.

There have been plenty of contributing factors to the resurgence of the run game, including scheme changes from Coen, improved offensive line play and better blocking from tight end Cade Otton. But with respect to third-year running back Rachaad White (who is having a great year himself), Bucky Irving has been the star of the show for Tampa Bay’s rushing attack in 2024.

Irving has been the top rookie running back in the league this season, coming into play on Sunday with 1,240 scrimmage yards, seven rushing touchdowns and 62 missed tackles forced. He also came into play averaging 5.5 yards per carry, with plenty of highlight-reel runs to his name through the first 15 games of his NFL career.

The fast-rising fan favorite sparked wins over the Giants, Panthers and Chargers during the four-game winning streak that got the Bucs back in the playoff picture, and if Tampa Bay can reach the postseason, the rookie would appear ready to thrive in a playoff football environment.

Time will tell, but for now, Bucky Irving has certainly cemented his name in Buccaneer history.