Lavonte David

Acquired By Bucs:

Selected by Tampa Bay in the second round (58th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Acquired By Bucs:

Selected by Tampa Bay in the second round (58th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Awards & Accolades:

Super Bowl LV Champion.

2015 Pro Bowl Selection.

2013 AP All-Pro First-Team Selection.

2x AP All-Pro Second-Team Selection (2016, 2020)

NFC Defensive Player Of The Month (September 2020).

2x NFC Defensive Player of the Week (Week 12, 2013; Week 10, 2015).

2020 ESPN All-Pro Selection

USA Today All-Joe Team (2012, 2013).

2012 PFW/PFWA All-Rookie Team.

NFC Defensive Rookie Of The Month (November 2012).

Career Highlights:

Has started all 166 regular season games that he has played, totaling 1,344 tackles (143 for loss), 62 quarterback hits, 59 passes defensed, 29.0 sacks, 12 interceptions (two returned for touchdown), 27 forced fumbles, 18 fumble recoveries (one returned for touchdown) and one safety.

Started seven playoff games, recording 53 tackles (two for loss), four passes defensed, two quarterback hits, one sack and one fumble recovery.

Entering the 2023 season, ranked third in team history with 1,344 tackles and 10th in team history with 29.0 sacks.

His 166 starts are the fourth-most in Buccaneers franchise history while his 166 games played are the fifth-most in team history.

Joined Ray Lewis as only players in NFL history to record 1,000 tackles, 20.0 sacks and 10 interceptions through their first eight seasons.

Selected to NFL.com's 2010s All-Decade Team.

Has served as Buccaneers Captain from 2014-23.

Has led the Buccaneers in tackles in eight times (2012-15, 2017-19, 2023) and tackles for loss six times (2012-16, 2023).

Ranks first the NFL in solo tackles (947), second in total tackles (1,344), and fifth in tackles for loss (143) among all NFL players since entering the league in 2012.

David is credited with 30 takeaways (12 interceptions, 18 fumble recoveries), tied for 11th-most in the NFL since 2012 and the most by any front-seven player.

One of only two players in the NFL with at least 1,000 tackles, 20.0 sacks and 10 interceptions since the start of the 2012 season (also Bobby Wagner).

Since 2012, ranks tied for third among NFL linebackers in interceptions with 12 and tied for fifth among linebackers with two interceptions returned for touchdowns, while ranking fourth among linebackers in passes defensed (59). Also during that span, ranks tied for third among all players with 27 forced fumbles and first with 18 opponent fumble recoveries.

Has scored 20 points (3 TDs, 1 safety) since entering the league in 2012, tied for the 11th-most among all front-seven players. Since start of 2015 season (when David scored his first touchdown), ranks tied for 16th among all defensive players and tied for eighth among all front seven players in return touchdowns with three.

Ranks tied for second in the league in forced fumbles since 2014 with 25, trailing only Chandler Jones (30).

Since joining Tampa Bay in 2012, has helped lead a defense that ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (103.0), third in yards per rush (4.00) during that time, and is fourth in takeaways in the NFL (279).

His 18 career fumble recoveries are a Buccaneers franchise record.

Tampa Bay's 2020 defense led the league in rushing yards allowed per game (80.6) and yards allowed per rush (3.60), while ranking sixth in yards allowed per play (5.12), sixth in yards allowed per game (327.1), ranking tied for second in tackles for loss (91), tied for fourth in sacks (48.0) and tied for fifth in takeaways (25).

His five fumble recoveries in 2017 are a Buccaneers single-season franchise record.

A key contributor on the Buccaneers defense in 2019, which led the league in rushing yards allowed and opposing rushing average.

Recorded first fumble recovery return touchdown when he stripped Larry Fitzgerald, scooped the football and continued 21 yards for the score, at Arizona (10/15/17).

In 2016, tied for NFL lead, and most among linebackers, with 17 tackles for loss.

Garnered Associated Press Second-Team All-Pro honors following the 2016 season.

Named to first Pro Bowl following the 2015 season when he ranked third in the league in tackles (147) and added three sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 13 passes defensed (most among NFL linebackers).

Named Associated Press All-Pro First-Team following 2013 season when he ranked fifth in the NFL in both tackles (143) tackles and interceptions (5). Added a safety, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and 10 passes defensed,

Tied for league lead with 14.5 run stuffs in 2013, according to STATS, Inc., and ranked third in the NFL in tackles for loss (20), behind Robert Quinn and J.J. Watt.

Ranked by Pro Football Focus as the No. 1 run stuffing outside linebacker and finished with the third-most quarterback pressures (sacks, QB hits, hurries) at the position.

Only NFL player with 125+ tackles and 6+ sacks in 2013.

In 2013 became only the second player since 1982 to record at least 7.0 sacks and five interceptions in the same season (S Dave Duerson).

In 2012, led the Buccaneers in tackles as a rookie, posting 139 tackles, tied for the seventh-most in the NFL. Also posted 112 solo tackles, the second-most in the league.

Named to USA Today's All-Joe Team in both 2012 & 2013.

Selected to PFW/PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2012.

Only linebacker in Buccaneers history with two multiple-interception games.

Scored first career touchdown on a 20-yard interception return (Mark Sanchez) in win at Philadelphia (11/22/15).

Registered his first career interception (Peyton Manning) at Denver (12/2/12).

Notched his first career sack vs. Philadelphia (12/9/12).

Started in his NFL debut against Carolina (9/9/12).

2022 Highlights:

Contributed to a Buccaneers defense that finished tied for seventh in sacks, tied for ninth in total defense, ninth in pass defense and 13th in points allowed per game.

Named a team captain for the ninth consecutive season.

Finished with 124 tackles (10 for loss), five passes defensed, 3.0 sacks, three quarterback hits, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Recorded six tackles (one for loss) and one pass defensed in Week 1 at Dallas (9/11). Led a defensive effort that limited the league's highest-scoring offense from the previous season to three points.

Recorded six tackles, one quarterback hit and 1.0 sack for eight yards in Week 2 at New Orleans (9/18). Led a defensive effort that recorded 6.0 sacks and forced five turnovers.

His sack in Week 2 increased his career total to 27.0, surpassing Broderick Thomas (26.5) for second-most among linebackers in franchise history.

Recorded seven tackles in Week 3 vs. Green Bay.

Tallied a then-season-high 10 tackles in Week 4 vs. Kansas City, adding one pass defensed.

Recorded five tackles in Week 5 vs. Atlanta.

Led Tampa Bay with 13 tackles in Week 6 at Pittsburgh. Also added one tackle for loss.

Led Tampa Bay with seven tackles in Week 7 at Carolina.

Finished with six tackles and one pass defensed in Week 8 vs. Baltimore. It marked his 57th pass defensed since 2012, fourth-most among linebackers.

Recorded three tackles (one for loss) and one pass defensed in Week 9 vs. L.A. Rams.

Tallied seven tackles in Week 10 vs. Seattle.

Week 10 marked his 159th career game, surpassing Mike Alstott (158) for the seventh-most games played in franchise history.

Finished with eight tackles (one for loss) in Week 12 at Cleveland. It marked his 160th career game, tying Tony Mayberry (160) for the sixth-most games played in team history.

Led Tampa Bay with 12 tackles (two for loss), adding one sack and one quarterback hit in Week 13 vs. New Orleans. He became the fourth player to record 12-or-more tackles, two-or-more tackles for loss, and one-or-more scaks in a single game this season.

He improved his career sack total to 28.0 in Week 13, tying him with Ronde Barber for 10th-most in franchise history.

Finished with five tackles (one for loss) and one fumble recovery in Week 14 at San Francisco. It marked his franchise-record-extending 18th career fumble recovery, which leads all players since 2012.

Finished as Tampa Bay's leading tackler in Week 15 vs. Cincinnati, tallying eight tackles, one sack, one quarterback hit and one forced fumble.

Recorded his 29th career sack on a seven-yard strip sack of Joe Burrow in Week 15, moving him past Ronde Barber (28.0) into 10th place in franchise history.

His sack of Joe Burrow in Week 15 marked his third sack of the season, his most since 2018 (3.5). It also marked his 27th forced fumble since 2012, tied for third-most in the NFL over that span.

Led Tampa Bay with 10 tackles (one for loss) and one pass defensed in Week 16 at Arizona. It marked his 43rd career game with 10-or-more tackles.

Led the Buccaneers with eight tackles (one for loss) in Week 17 vs. Carolina.

Played 23 defensive snaps in Week 18 at Atlanta, logging three tackles (one for loss).

College:

Started all 27 games he played in at Nebraska (2010-11), recording 285 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, two interceptions, 12 passes defensed, three forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered.

In 2011, earned first-team All-American honors from the American Football Coaches Association, CBS and ESPN.

Also earned first-team All-Big Ten accolades (coaches, media, ESPN.com, Yahoo.com, Phil Steele).

Was a finalist for the Butkus Award (Top Linebacker), semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award (Top Defensive Player) and semifinalist for the Lott Trophy (Top Defensive IMPACT Player) in 2011.

Named the 2011 Butkus-Fitzgerald Big Ten Linebacker of the Year and Nebraska team MVP.

2011 Guy Chamberlin Award Winner for his play and contributions to the betterment of the University of Nebraska football team.

As a senior, led Nebraska with 133 tackles and ranked third in the Big Ten in tackles per game.

Also led Nebraska in tackles for loss (13.0), sacks (5.5), interceptions (2), forced fumbles (2) and fumble recoveries (2) in 2011.

In 2010, set school record with 152 tackles.

His 285 career tackles rank fourth in school history, and most by a two-year player.

Recorded a career-high 19 tackles in one game against South Dakota State, the seventh-most in school history.

Was named first-team All-American (Rivals.com and CBS), unanimous first-team Big 12 and Big 12 Newcomer of the Year, as selected by the coaches, in 2010.

Prior to his time at Nebraska, led Fort Scott Community College (Fort Scott, Kansas) to the Junior College National Championship Game, while ranking among the conference's leaders in tackles and tackles for loss.

Was named Defensive MVP of the JUCO National Championship Game.

Two-time first-team All-Jayhawk Conference selection and a Region VI All-American in 2009.

During his first season at Fort Scott, led the Jayhawk Conference with 93 tackles.

Majored in criminology and criminal justice.

Community:

In 2020, supported Big Brothers, Big Sisters as part of the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats initiative.

David participated in the 7th Annual Cut for a Cure with the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation and helped raise $100,000.

As a national ambassador for Big Brother Big Sister, Lavonte hosted his 4th annual bowling event benefiting the organization in 2019.

David coordinated with teammates to help donate weekly meals from local businesses to Metropolitan Ministries, helping feed those in need during COVID-19.

In October 2016, joined teammates and the entire Buccaneers business operations staff for the team's "Hometown Huddle," helping to refurbish the Sulphur Springs K-8 School and Community Center and interact with students.

In June 2016, was named a national ambassador and BIG Champion for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, with the mission of creating more matches between children and caring, adult mentors across the United States.

In May 2016, helped dedicate a Buccaneers Academy at Bevis Elementary School, which was awarded a Fitness Zone and also presented with a special assembly and P.E. equipment for winning the 2016 Play 60 Challenge.

In November 2015 and 2016, hosted a bowling event to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay.

In July 2015, hosted his inaugural free backpack and school supply donation to youth in his hometown of Miami, FL.

In June 2015, had his head shaved by children battling cancer as part of the Buccaneers Cut for a Cure to raise funds and awareness for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Paired up with United Way volunteers and students to install a "Learning Garden" at Edison Elementary in October 2013 and at Davis Elementary in September 2015.

Led students through football drills and promoted the importance of health and fitness for the opening of Buccaneers Academy Fitness Zones at Foster Elementary in September 2012 and Sulphur Springs Elementary in December 2012.

As a member of the Buccaneers Rookie Club in 2012, visited youth at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg and sang holiday carols to residents at Westminster Palms retirement home, visited MacDill Air Force Base to thank civilian workers and active duty military for their service, helped host a lunch for service members at Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater and visited veterans recovering from injury and illness at Bay Pines VA Hospital, hosted an educational scavenger hunt for children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay at Busch Gardens Tampa, and greeted patients at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in May 2012.

Volunteered time while at Nebraska with team hospital visits and the Husker Heroes program.

Personal:

Attended Northwestern High School (Miami, Florida).

Won back-to-back Florida state titles in 2006 and 2007, while finishing with undefeated records both years.

Son of the late Lynette David.

Born Lavonte David on January 23, 1990, in Miami, Florida.