Sam Franklin Jr. confronts Jose Ramirez after tense Panthers-Bucs game

During a game on Sunday, December 1, 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Carolina Panthers 26-23 in overtime at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. The match ended with Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin securing the victory with a 30-yard field goal. The intense atmosphere unfolded as the Panthers were in a strong position to win, holding the ball at Tampa Bay’s 34-yard line. However, a critical fumble by Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard after being stripped by Buccaneers defensive lineman Anthony Nelson turned the tide of the game. Yaya Diaby of the Buccaneers recovered the fumble, allowing his team to score in the next series. In the aftermath of the game, an incident involving Panthers safety Sam Franklin Jr. garnered attention. Recorded footage captured Franklin shouting for Buccaneers outside linebacker Jose Ramirez and expressing his intention to confront him. Franklin was visibly agitated as he waited in the back hallways for the Buccaneers to exit the field. He reportedly yelled, "Hey, tell 33 imma see his ass," referencing Ramirez, who wore jersey number 33, while being restrained by someone to prevent him from rushing towards the Buccaneers' locker room. Eventually, Franklin was escorted away to the Panthers locker room by staff members. The only details available regarding what prompted Franklin’s behavior remain vague, with no specific incident noted on the field during the game. The tension continued when Tampa Bay receiver Sterling Shepard was also seen making remarks towards the Panthers' locker room shortly after Franklin’s outburst. The connection between these two occurrences is uncertain, adding to the intrigue surrounding the players' interactions post-game. This confrontation came after an intense match. The Buccaneers' victory placed them in a first-place tie with the Falcons in the NFC South with both teams holding a record of 6-6. In contrast, the struggling Panthers were left with a disappointing 3-9 record as they prepared to face the Philadelphia Eagles in their upcoming game. This encounter illustrated the underlying rivalries in the league and the raw emotions that can surface when teams are engaged in fierce competition.