A Buccaneers legend hangs up his cleats. The three-time All-Pro concludes a stellar 14-year career, leaving an indelible mark on Tampa Bay.
Linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement on Tuesday, bringing to a close his 14-year NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The three-time All-Pro and 12-time team captain made his announcement at the team's training-center auditorium in Tampa. David had said in January, following the Bucs' disappointing 8-9 season, he was wavering between retirement and playing one more year at Raymond James Stadium.
On Tuesday afternoon, the 36-year-old said he felt the time had come for him to make a change, and that what he did in his career exceeded what he envisioned.
"It's been an incredible journey," David told reporters. "I feel like it was just time for me to move on and let the next generation take over, and move on and find my next passion, my next endeavor."
A second-round pick (58th overall) in the 2012 draft out of Nebraska, David played a central role in the Bucs' Super Bowl LV victory in 2020 and was a stalwart leader throughout his career in Tampa, voted captain in 12 of his 14 years on the team.
Named to the NFL's 2010s All-Decade team, he also totaled 41.5 sacks, 32 forced fumbles and 14 interceptions in his career.
The Glazer family, which owns the Buccaneers, released a statement Tuesday, as did general manager Jason Licht and coach Todd Bowles.
The Glazers said David "personified what it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneers."
Licht said David's impact on the Bucs "cannot be overstated," and Bowles predicted David will one day be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Along with Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, David is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in franchise history. David ends his career with the same number of tackles (1,714) and seasons played as Brooks, who also spent his career with Tampa Bay.
Only Hall-of-Fame safety Ronde Barber played more seasons -- 16 -- than Brooks and David.
Time will tell if David is Canton-bound, but he's a sure bet to be inducted into the team's Ring of Honor.
He was also the team's Art Rooney Award nominee for outstanding sportsmanship for six of his last seven seasons.
Regardless of whether he will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, David said he's proud of the way he played the game.
"When I'm out on the field, I make an impact any way I can," he said, "and I hope some day if they do decide to vote me in, they can see that."
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