The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced today that linebacker Lavonte David was selected by his teammates as the team's 2018 Ed Block Courage Award recipient.
David, a seven-year veteran and team captain for the fifth consecutive season, is one of 32 NFL players who will be honored at the 41st Annual Ed Block Courage Awards on March 23, 2019, in Baltimore.
Ed Block Courage Award recipients symbolize professionalism, great strength and dedication, in addition to being community role models. Each year, the Ed Block Courage Awards honors those National Football League players who exemplify commitments to the principles of sportsmanship and courage. This award is unique in that the recipients are selected solely by a vote of their teammates.
A two-time All-Pro, David has continued his excellence on the field in 2018, leading the Buccaneers with 105 tackles, including 11 for loss, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries. His 13 career fumble recoveries are a franchise record and the most in the NFL since he entered the league in 2012. David is the only NFL player to accumulate 20+ sacks (21.5) and 10+ interceptions over the past seven seasons, while also ranking third in the league in tackles (869) over that span.
In November, David missed the Buccaneers' Weeks 11 and 12 games with a knee injury. Since returning to the lineup, over the past three weeks, David leads the NFL with 34 tackles, while adding three sacks, one pass defensed and one fumble recovery.
David's distinction extends beyond the playing field. The Lavonte David Foundation's Lavonte Legends program helps fulfill the promise of equal opportunity by assisting college-bound students who are succeeding academically, but are financially challenged. Earlier this year, David and his foundation also provided free backpacks, school supplies and tablets in his hometown of Miami. David continues to serve as a "Big Champion" for Big Brothers Big Sisters, for which he hosted his annual Bowl For Kids' Sake event in Tampa and a Nebraska Meet and Greet in Omaha.
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