Polly Want A Kicker: Parrot To Deliver Bucs' Draft Pick

TAMPA, FL -- The iconic mascot of buccaneers around the world, a parrot has been chosen to deliver one of the Tampa Bay Bucs’ third-day draft picks.

That’s right. Zsa Zsa, an 8-year-old Catalina macaw, will announce the fourth-round pick from the pirate ship at Raymond James Stadium as part of the NFL draft TV broadcast on Saturday afternoon.

Presumably, Zsa Zsa won’t actually make the pick – just deliver it.

Caretaker Stephanie Dripps of the Florida Exotic Bird Sanctuary of Hudson will be on hand with plenty of crackers to ensure the parrot gives the announcer the correct name.

The Tampa Bay Bucs’ tweet earlier this week announcing that a parrot would deliver the fourth-round pick elicited varied reactions from fans:

“YES!!! This is how pirates should announce their new additions.”

“Polly want a kicker.”

“Polly want a sacker.”

The Bucs plan to have other guests on hand to announce draft picks Saturday.

The fifth-round pick reportedly will be delivered by Lt. Gen. C.Q. Brown, deputy commander at U.S. Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base.

And the sixth-round pick will be announced by defending flag football champion teams Plant and Robinson high schools.

Traditionally, the final day of the NFL draft is an opportunity for teams to show a sense of humor so the Bucs won’t be alone when it comes to bizarre draft announcements.

The 49ers plan to have R2D2 and Chewbacca announce their third-day picks.

Image via Tampa Bay Bucs