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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buccaneer Icon Lavonte David Concludes Legendary NFL Career

Lavonte David, one of the greatest defenders in franchise history, announced his retirement on Tuesday, capping a 14-season career in which he put his name among the very best linebackers of his era

LAVONTE THANK YOU 16x9

One of the greatest careers ever to unfold in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform is coming to an end. On Tuesday, longtime standout linebacker Lavonte David announced that he is retiring after 14 NFL seasons, all with the Buccaneers. Fittingly, David finishes his iconic career with the same number of seasons played and total tackles (1,714) as Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks, who also played his entire career in Tampa. Only Ronde Barber, with 16, played more seasons as a Buccaneer.

"For the past 14 seasons, Lavonte David has personified what it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. He was a selfless leader both on and off the field, playing with passion and a genuine love for the game. He leaves a legacy as a Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest players in franchise history, setting a standard that will continue to impact our organization for years to come," said The Glazer Family, owners of the Buccaneers. "Today, we celebrate Lavonte's legendary career as one of the most accomplished players of his era and thank him for the many memorable moments he provided our fans. Beyond the statistics and accolades, he will be remembered throughout Tampa Bay for his humble demeanor and strong commitment to our community. We wish him well on his journey after football and look forward to honoring his Hall of Fame-worthy achievements in the near future."

David came to the Buccaneers as a second-round draft pick in 2012, after the Buccaneers traded up 10 spots to secure the University of Nebraska star. He immediately became a fixture in Tampa Bay's defense, starting all 16 games as a rookie and finishing fifth in the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. He blossomed into full NFL stardom in his second season, earning first-team Associated Press All-Pro honors on the strength of 145 tackles, five interceptions, 7.0 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, 10 passes defensed and two forced fumbles.

Those first two seasons established a baseline of production that David remarkably maintained throughout his career, which matched Brooks for the second-longest in franchise history. He never missed more than five games in a season and only twice missed more than two, finishing with 215 games played, all of them as a starter. He eclipsed 100 tackles in all but two of his 14 seasons and never dipped below 87. David also produced multiple sacks in 10 of his 14 seasons, including a total of 13 in his last three seasons combined.

"Before I came to the Buccaneers, I always had immense respect for Lavonte as a special football player," said Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles. "Having had the fortune to coach him for the last seven seasons, I have also experienced the special person and leader he is. He has been the heart and soul of our defense and a Super Bowl champion on the way to being an eventual Hall of Famer. There isn't anyone more respected by his teammates, and that respect extends to his peers and opposing coaches throughout the league. I, as well as everyone in this organization, will miss him tremendously."

David was also a rock in the Buccaneers' locker room during his entire career, the type of quiet leader who didn't speak often but always commanded the room when he did. He was voted a team captain in just his third season and repeated that honor, as chosen by his teammates, for a remarkable 12 straight campaigns. He was also the Buccaneers' nominee for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award in six of his last seven seasons.

"Lavonte's mark on our franchise could never be overstated," said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht. "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. His contributions to our franchise, to his teammates and to this community will leave an impact far beyond his playing years."

Along the way, David cemented his legacy as one of the greatest linebackers of his era and a strong Pro Football Hall of Fame candidate. Since tackles began being officially tracked in 1994, only two players have combined 1,500-plus career tackles with 40-plus sacks and 10-plus interceptions: Lavonte David and Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis. Adept at creating turnovers, David is also one of just four players, along with Mo Lewis, Greg Lloyd and Hall of Famer Julius Peppers to record at least 40.0 sacks, 30 forced fumbles and 10 interceptions.

In all, David wrapped up his brilliant career with the aforementioned 1,714 tackles, 1,172 solo tackles, 42.5 sacks, 177 tackles for loss, 14 interceptions, 73 passes defensed, 33 forced fumbles, 21 fumble recoveries and three defensive touchdowns. In addition to tying Brooks' franchise tackle mark (as compiled by Statspass), he is the team's all-time leader in fumble recoveries and ranks sixth in sacks, the most by any non-defensive lineman or edge rusher.

View images of LB Lavonte David's historic 14-year career as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.

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