On Tuesday, Buccaneers icon Lavonte David announced his retirement from the NFL, closing the book on a remarkable 14 years. He concludes his career not only as one of the greatest defenders in franchise history but as one of the top linebackers of his generation. Love poured in from across the league, with athletes and media members alike giving David his due. Here are some of the best reactions from around the NFL to David's retirement.
After 14 NFL seasons, Buccaneers LB Lavonte David announced his retirement. pic.twitter.com/r5zPcCwLCV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 24, 2026
The consummate!! You’re a stud, my friend! Congrats on a phenomenal career! https://t.co/lw5T0tFEFZ
— Rondé Barber (@rondebarber) March 24, 2026
I can’t begin to express how much respect I have for Lavonte David — the player and the person. 🙏💯
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 24, 2026
Football fan or not, this video is worth your time.
(📹 @MySportsUpdate) pic.twitter.com/FFhHL3631t
Mr. Buccaneer@LavonteDavid54 will forever be a Tampa Bay legend 👏 pic.twitter.com/6Z3iHRcvuP
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) March 24, 2026
One of the best to ever do it 🫡 pic.twitter.com/d7jOW69rAT
— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFootball) March 24, 2026
Lavonte David lost his mom in 2016.
— Aileen Hnatiuk (@AileenHnatiuk) March 24, 2026
He kept her picture in his locker as motivation. It was always the first thing he looked at when he came in. pic.twitter.com/JVcG9RjFeo
An unbelievable career for Lavonte David. Mr. Consistency for the Buccaneers. A franchise legend. https://t.co/JxPFqGTMcC
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 24, 2026
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) March 24, 2026
One of the Greats!! 🐐 https://t.co/DnmBozIgeb
— Zaire Franklin (@ZiggySmalls_) March 24, 2026
This awards and accolades won’t say it but this man deserves to be in the HOF
— Taylor Lewan (@TaylorLewan77) March 24, 2026
Congrats Lavonte 🫡 https://t.co/lJ2O3sWQ9L
Best to do it, appreciate you for everything hate that we can’t play one more game together 🐐🖤 https://t.co/Lj22LDubaz
— Yaya “Yaski” Diaby (@greatyaya4) March 24, 2026
Hall of Fame player, Hall of Fame human.
— Kay Adams (@heykayadams) March 24, 2026
Congrats @LavonteDavid54 ! A legend. https://t.co/D1WzQGip38 pic.twitter.com/ZLhyP854Qm
— Tykee Smith (@TykSmith) March 25, 2026
One of the greats of this generation. 🫡 https://t.co/fYLjWJcFPx
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) March 24, 2026
Congrats on a top tier legendary career!! @LavonteDavid54 🫡🫡🫡🙌🙌 https://t.co/jEON3hpVW8
— Cam Jordan (@camjordan94) March 24, 2026
@Buccaneers need that heads up next year when Lavonte go in that ring of honor…… Have to take off work since it’s on a Sunday 😂😂😂
— Gerald McCoy (@Geraldini93) March 24, 2026
Girl Dad 🥹 pic.twitter.com/1p96DTNudi
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) March 24, 2026
It was an emotional day at One Buc Place with Lavonte David announcing his retirement.
— Evan Closky (@ECloskyWTSP) March 24, 2026
We covered it extensively on our 10 Tampa Bay streaming show. @Buccaneers | #WeAreTheKrewe pic.twitter.com/46rEDILYEp
My OG thanks for everything!! https://t.co/vWOpc4JFxA
— Kwon Alexander (@kwon) March 24, 2026
Congratulations Lavonte David on an incredible career!
— Jon Gruden (@BarstoolGruden) March 24, 2026
On behalf of the entire Tampa Bay area, thank you for being a Buccaneer!! pic.twitter.com/FWQirZ5HLg
Lavonte David’s retirement speech is worth 2 mins of your time.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 24, 2026
Having Parents who show you they believe in your dreams and will stop at nothing to help you achieve them is EVERYTHING. pic.twitter.com/TyOWLa58lU
Lavonte David has retired after 14 seasons in the NFL with the Buccaneers 👏
— PFF (@PFF) March 24, 2026
💥 90.1 career PFF grade (4th among LBs during span)
💥 801 career defensive stops (1st)
💥 238 career TFLs (1st) pic.twitter.com/v4az8JqlQJ





























