When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers revealed the list of the Top 50 players in franchise history last summer to celebrate the team's 50th season, five of the first seven players on the list were already members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The two exceptions were wide receiver Mike Evans at number four and linebacker Lavonte David at number seven.
On Tuesday, Lavonte David announced his retirement, which had the side effect of starting his countdown towards Hall of Fame eligibility. He would first be eligible to enter the Hall with the class of 2031. (Evans recently signed a three-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, so he will be eligible at a later date than David). Will David join those other five Buccaneers in Canton?
You can make a very strong case that he should.
Let's start with this simple comparison:
| Tackles | Sacks | INTs | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player A | 1,052 | 12.5 | 18 | 7 | 8 |
| Player B | 1,714 | 42.5 | 14 | 33 | 21 |
Player A is former Carolina Panthers Luke Kuechly, who was just voted into the Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. Player B is Lavonte David.
Kuechly only played eight seasons due to concussion issues, compared to 14 for David, so some of these comparisons would tilt in his favor in a per-season basis. That said, longevity is another selling point for David's HOF candidacy, and even if you extrapolate Kuechly's averages to 14 seasons he would still trail David's totals by wide margins in the sacks, forced fumble and fumble recovery categories. Kuechly would still have a clear lead in interceptions but only about 200 more tackles.
Kuechly, of course, had the weight of a Defensive Player of the Year award on his résumé, as well as seven Pro Bowl selections, the latter honor of which David was bafflingly only awarded once. But we don't have to compare David to just one of his contemporaries. Here are the same career statistical comparisons for David and seven Hall of Fame off-ball linebackers, most of whom played the same or almost the same number of seasons as the Buccaneers' star defender (listed alphabetically):
| Seasons | Tackles | Sacks | INTs | FF | FR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Derrick Brooks | 14 | 1,714 | 13.5 | 25 | 25 | 4 |
| Lavonte David | 14 | 1,714 | 42.5 | 14 | 33 | 21 |
| Luke Kuechly | 8 | 1,092 | 12.5 | 18 | 7 | 8 |
| Ray Lewis | 14 | 2,061 | 36.5 | 28 | 14 | 16 |
| Junior Seau | 14 | 1,763* | 50.0 | 15 | 11 | 16 |
| Zach Thomas | 14 | 1,733 | 20.5 | 17 | 15 | 8 |
| Brian Urlacher | 13 | 1,358 | 41.5 | 22 | 12 | 16 |
| Patrick Willis | 8 | 950 | 20.5 | 8 | 16 | 5 |
(* Incomplete data)
David's stat line is so robust across multiple categories that certain combinations of them put him in very elite company. For instance, tackles began being reliably tracked in 1994, and since then only two players have finished their careers with 1,500-plus tackles, 40-plus sacks and 10-plus interceptions, David and Baltimore Ravens legend Ray Lewis, a first-ballot Hall inductee.
Remove the tackles and add in forced fumbles and David is in a different but equally impressive group: Players in NFL history to record 40-plus sacks, 30-plus forced fumbles and 10-plus interceptions.
Players to Record 40+ Sacks, 30+ Forced Fumbles & 10+ Interceptions, NFL History
| Sacks | FF | INTs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Derrick Brooks | 42.5 | 33 | 14 |
| Mo Lewis | 52.5 | 28 | 14 |
| Greg Lloyd | 54.5 | 38 | 11 |
| Julius Peppers* | 159.5 | 51 | 11 |
(* Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame)
David's nose for the football – his mastery at both forcing and recovering fumbles – was evident at all points of his long career. He is now retired, but at the end of the 2025 season he was the NFL's active lader in fumble recoveries and he ranked third in forced fumbles.
Most Fumble Recoveries, NFL, Players Active Through 2025 Season
1. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay: 21
2. T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh: 14
3t. Calais Campbell, Arizona: 13
3t. Khalil Mack, L.A. Chargers: 13
5t. Cameron Jordan, New Orleans: 12
5t. Bobby Wagner, Washington: 12
Most Forced Fumble, NFL, Players Active Through 2025 Season
1t. T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh: 36
1t. Khalil Mack, L.A. Chargers: 36
3. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay: 33
4. Von Miller, Washington: 27
5. Demarcus Lawrence, Seattle: 24
Prior to his retirement, David was also the NFL's active career leader in solo tackles (1,171) and he ranked second in total tackles, tackles for loss (177), interceptions among linebackers, and passes defensed among linebackers (73).
The tackle numbers referenced in charts above were compiled by StatsPass using numbers generated by stat crews in press boxes during games. From that source, David's 1,714 totals exactly tied Derrick Brooks for the most in Buccaneers franchise history. Those two are tied for sixth among all players, again with reliable tackle totals dating back to 1994.
Most Career Tackles, NFL, Since 1994 (as compiled by StatsPass)
1. Ray Lewis, Baltimore: 2,061
2. London Fletcher, St. Louis/Buffalo/Washington: 2,040
3. Bobby Wagner^, Seattle/L.A. Rams/Washington: 1,998
4. Junior Seau, San Diego/Miami/New England: 1,763*
5. Zach Thomas, Miami/Dallas: 1,733
6t. Derrrick Brooks, Tampa Bay: 1,714
6t. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay: 1,714
8. Demario Davis^, N.Y. Jets/Cleveland/New Orleans: 1,520
9. Donnie Edwards, Kansas City/San Diego: 1,500
10. Keith Brooking, Atlanta/Dallas/Denver: 1,441
(* Incomplete data, ^ Active player)
A master of pursuit angles, David had a knack for making plays behind the line of scrimmage. He hit double digits in tackles for loss in 10 of his 14 seasons, including 21 in 2013 and 20 in 2012. His 177 career tackles for loss is tied for the third most in NFL history since 1999, according to StatsPass.
Most Career Tackles for Loss, NFL, Since 1999 (as compiled by StatsPass)
1. Calais Campbell, five teams*: 196
2. J.J. Watt, Houston/Arizona: 195
3t. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay: 177
3t. Von Miller, Denver/L.A. Rams/Buffalo/Washington: 177
5. Aaron Donald, L.A. Rams: 176
David is the only player in the top 20 on that TFL list who was not an edge rusher or defensive lineman; in other words, his high total was not primarily due to a large career sack total (sacks also count as tackles for loss).
David didn't just make his living behind the line of scrimmage. For much of his career, he was also considered one of the best coverage linebackers in the NFL. His 73 career passes defensed ranks 15th among all linebackers in NFL annals. He and Will Witherspoon are the only two linebackers with more than 70 passes defensed and more than 100 tackles for loss.
David finishes his career as the Buccaneers' all-time franchise leader in tackles (tied with Brooks), forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. While rankings within an organization may not be taken into consideration by Hall of Fame voters, it is a relative note in regards to his candidacy given that he played for the same franchise as Brooks, who set a very high bar for the linebacker position on his way to first-ballot induction into the Hall. David played in and started 215 games, third in team history behind only Brooks (224, 221) and Ronde Barber (241, 232).
There's one more number on David's résumé that might seem more modest but should also be taken into consideration: One. That's the number of Super Bowl rings David won, as he was team captain and central defensive figure for the 2020 Buccaneers team that captured the title in 2020. Referring to the chart above comparing David to seven Hall of Fame linebackers, his one Super Bowl championship is the same number won by Brooks and more than the combined number won by Kuechly, Seau, Thomas, Urlacher and Willis.
As noted above, David surprisingly only gained one Pro Bowl invitation, likely due to pass-rushing outside linebackers being a part of his voting position through much of his career. As a telling example, David was a first-team Associated Press All-Pro in 2013, which is a far more exclusive honor than the Pro Bowl, but he did not punch a ticket to the all-star game that same season. In addition to that 2013 All-Pro season, David was also a second-team All-Pro choice in 2016 and 2020 and he was fifth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2012.
David was a team captain for the Buccaneers in each of his last 12 seasons and there is a picture of his silhoutte in the team's draft room at the AdventHealth Training Center, pinpointing him as the exact sort of player the team hopes to add each spring. He is unquestionably one of the greatest players in franchise history, and he never wore another uniform in the NFL. Now, the next question is: Will he wear a gold jacket some day. He certainly made a very convincing case for his eventual inclusion in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
View images of LB Lavonte David's historic 14-year career as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 13: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium on September 13, 2015, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 42-14. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - MAY 4: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Rookie Mini Camp held at One Buccaneer Place on Saturday May 4, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. (Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 9: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on September 4, 2012, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 16-10. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 30: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Washington Redskins at Raymond James Stadium on September 30, 2012, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 24-22. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 2: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception during the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 2, 2012, in Denver, Colorado. The Buccaneers lost 31-23. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 24: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the preseason game against the New England Patriots at Raymond James Stadium on August 24, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 30-28. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 23: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the St. Louis Rams at Raymond James Stadium on December 23, 2012, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 28-13. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 24: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on August 24, 2013 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 8: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at Raymond James Stadium on August 8, 2013, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 44-16. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - AUGUST 24: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on August 24, 2013 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Buccaneers won 17-16. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 30: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on December 30, 2012, in Atlanta, Georgia. The Buccaneers won 22-17. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 29: Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93, Linebacker Adam Hayward #57, Wide Receiver Mike Williams #19 and other members of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium on September 29, 2013, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 13-10. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 13: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on October 13, 2013, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 31-20. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 29: Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 and Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate a sack during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Raymond James Stadium on September 29, 2013, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 13-10. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 13: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during introductions of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium on October 13, 2013, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 31-20. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 11: Defensive End Adrian Clayborn #94, Linebacker Jonathan Casillas #52, Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Linebacker Mason Foster #59 and Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on November 11, 2013, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 22-19. (photo by Jeff Griffith/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Raymond James Stadium on December 8, 2013, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 27-6. (photo by Jason Parkhurst/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 15: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Raymond James Stadium on December 15, 2013, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 33-14. (photo by Jeff Griffth/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 16: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 comes out of the tunnel to flames and smoke during player introductions before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers preseason game against the Miami Dolphins at Raymond James Stadium on August 16, 2014, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 21-14 (photo by Matt Marriott/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

CLEVELAND, OH - NOVEMBER 2: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers huddles with the defense before the game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 2, 2014, in Cleveland, Ohio. The Buccaneers lost 22-17. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 4: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Defensive Tackle Gerald McCoy #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on October 4, 2015, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 37-23. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Fullback Jorvorskie Lane #46 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 22, 2015, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Buccaneers won 45-17. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 22: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception for a touchdown during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 22, 2015, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Buccaneers won 45-17. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 6: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on December 6, 2015, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 23-19. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 13: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 13, 2015, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers lost 24-17. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

ST. LOUIS, MO - DECEMBER 17: Color rush uniform detail of Linebacker Lavonte David #54 the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on December 17, 2015, in St. Louis, Missouri. The Buccaneers lost 31-23. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

JULY 28, 2016 - TAMPA, FLORIDA: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signs autographs on Day 1 of training camp at One Buccaneer Place. (Photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

AUGUST 13, 2016 - TAMPA, FLORIDA: Linebacker Kwon Alexander #58, Linebacker Daryl Smith #51, and Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Day 12 of training camp at One Buccaneer Place. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

SAN DIEGO, CA - DECEMBER 4: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception for a touchdown during the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium on December 4, 2016, in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won 28-21. (photo by Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the New York Jets at Raymond James Stadium on November 12, 2017, in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 15-10. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

GREEN BAY, WI - DECEMBER 3: Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on December 3, 2017, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Buccaneers lost 26-20. (photo by Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 09, 2018 - Linebacker Lavonte David #54 during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, LA. The Buccaneers won 48-40. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL- SEPTEMBER 05, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 12, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 20-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 29, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 (L), and Safety Mike Edwards #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (R) during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. The Buccaneers won the game, 55-40. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LONDON, UK - OCTOBER 13, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 37-26. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LONDON, UK - OCTOBER 13, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 37-26. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a Color Rush shoot at Raymond James Stadium. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 18, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Lavonte David's bowling fundraiser for Lavonte Legends and Big Brothers Big Sisters Tampa Bay at Pin Chasers Midtown. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 01, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 28-11. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 30, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the Buccaneers depart for the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL- DECEMBER 06, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers unboxes his cleats for My Cause My Cleats with David, who designed his cleats, from Big Brothers/Sisters. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - SEPTEMBER 13, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints at Mercedes Benz Superdome. The Buccaneers lost the game, 34-23. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. The Buccaneers won the game, 28-10. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 27, 2020 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. The Buccaneers won the game, 28-10. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 04, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 38-31. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 18, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sacks Aaron Rodgers during the game between the Green Bay Packers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 38-10. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 08, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' locker before the game between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 38-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 26, 2020 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The Buccaneers won the game, 47-7. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 03, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 44-27. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 24, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the NFC Championship game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Buccaneers won the game 31-26. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 24, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the NFC Championship game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Buccaneers won the game 31-26. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 24, 2021 - Quarterback Tom Brady #12 and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the NFC Championship game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Buccaneers won the game 31-26. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - February 04, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV jersey. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - February 07, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' locker before Super Bowl LV between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccanerers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - February 07, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before Super Bowl LV between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccanerers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-9. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - February 07, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Super Bowl LV between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccanerers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-9. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 07, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before Super Bowl LV between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccanerers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - FEBRUARY 07, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after Super Bowl LV between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccanerers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 31-9. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - February 10, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the Super Bowl LV victory boat parade. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - July 22, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the Super Bowl LV Ring Ceremony at MidFlorida Amphitheater. Photo By Matt May/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

FOXBOROUGH, MA - October 03, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hands out game balls after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game 19-17. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 10, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won the game, 45-17. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

LANDOVER, MD - November 14, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Washington Football Team at FedEx Field. Washington Football Team won the game, 29-19. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 19, 2021 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Saints won the game, 9-0. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - October 02, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 41-31. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - October 27, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers lost the game, 27-22. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - October 31, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers works with students from Young Middle School and their mentors during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Youth Leadership program at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

MUNICH, DE - November 13, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi #53, Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54, and Linebacker Ulysses Gilbert #57 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Allianz Arena. The Buccaneers won the game 21-16. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

MUNICH, DE - November 13, 2022 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Allianz Arena. The Buccaneers won the game 21-16. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - June 05, 2023 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a production shoot for the Buccaneers' creamsicle uniform release. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - July 26, 2023 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2023 Training Camp practice at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

ORCHARD PARK, NY - October 26, 2023 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Inside Linebacker Devin White #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Buffalo Bills. The Bucs lost the game, 24-18. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SANTA CLARA, CA - November 19, 2023 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and San Francisco 49ers. The Bucs lost the game, 27-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

GREEN BAY, WI - December 17, 2023 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Green Bay Packers. The Bucs won the game, 34-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

DETROIT, MI - January 21, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and his daughter before the NFC Divisional Round game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. The Bucs lost the game, 31-23. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - March 22, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after he signed his contract at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - June 26, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Asset Shoot at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CINCINNATI, OH - August 10, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54, Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14, Safety Christian Izien #29, Safety Tykee Smith #23, Running Back Rachaad White #1, Center Graham Barton #62 and Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers watching the Olympics before the Preseason game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals. The Bucs won the game, 17-14. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - August 23, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' locker before the preseason game between the Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 24-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - October 21, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the Monday Night Football game between the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game 31-41. Photo By Doug DeFelice/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - November 10, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs lost the game 23-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - December 08, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Las Vegas Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game 28-13. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - July 22, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2025 Training Camp. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - July 27, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with his daughter during 2025 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

HOUSTON, TX - September 15, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans. The Bucs won the game, 20-19. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

HOUSTON, TX - September 15, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the Monday Night Football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans. The Bucs won the game, 20-19. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - September 21, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the game between the New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs won the game, 29-27. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with fans after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Mike Fiechtner/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Cornerback Jacob Parrish #25 and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SEATTLE, WA - October 05, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks. The Bucs won the game, 38-35. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 03, 2019 - Director of Football Operations Shelton Quarles and Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks at Century Link Field. The Buccaneers lost the game in overtime, 40-34. Photo by Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NEW ORLEANS, LA - October 26, 2025 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints. The Bucs won the game, 23-3. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - December 11, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons during a regular season game at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs lost the game, 29-28. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - January 03, 2026 - The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers play a regular season game at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs won the game, 16-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - January 03, 2026 - The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers play a regular season game at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs won the game, 16-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers


TAMPA, FL - December 07, 2025 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints during a regular season game at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs lost the game, 24-20. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 03, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks at Century Link Field. The Buccaneers lost the game in overtime, 40-34. Photo by Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

TAMPA, FL - January 03, 2026 - The Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers play a regular season game at Raymond James Stadium. The Bucs won the game, 16-14. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers




















