Veteran linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement earlier this offseason, ending a 14-year career spent entirely with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
“Lavonte’s mark on our franchise could never be overstated,” general manager Jason Licht said in a statement. “For the entirety of his 14-year career, Lavonte set the standard for professionalism, leadership, and consistency. He embodies everything that it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, and he is undoubtedly one of the best players to ever put on this uniform.”
David, who was a 12-time captain for the Bucs, posted 114 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 2025. A member of Tampa Bay’s Super Bowl LV roster in 2020, the 36-year-old shares the franchise record for career tackles with Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, each tallying 1,714, per Statspass.
David emerged as a consistent starter on defense after being drafted in the second round in 2012. He’s one of just only two players since 1994 to have recorded more than 1,500 tackles, 40 sacks, and 10 interceptions, according to team reporters.
Tampa Bay signed veterans Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom as potential starting options at inside linebackers to replace David.
Shoutout to one hell of a career for Lavonte David!
Jaden Chandler-Parnell, or “JC” is a Sports & Sports Betting Analyst for Stare Down Sports. You can Follow him on X @Jaden95Chandler and on YouTube
Leave a Reply