What’s Currently Going Through Lavonte David’s Mind?
January 30th, 2026
What is he thinking?
“Chillin’” and “adulting.”
That is what Bucs icon linebacker Lavonte David told Kay Adams of “Up and Adams” what he’s up to currently as he weighs the pros and cons of returning to the Bucs this fall.
David said that after meeting with Bucs coach Todd Bowles and Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht following the season, David was told the Bucs have a spot on the roster in 2026, should he choose to return.
David, 36, isn’t sure if he wants to play again or retire. And he will either play for the Bucs or call it a career. David is not interested in playing for another team.
Explaining this to Adams, she wanted to know what is going through David’s head as he winds down from the 2025 season and approaches the T-intersection of his adult life.
It was clear the way the Bucs’ 2025 season played out after the bye has depressed David.
“First and foremost, disappointed,” David said. “You know that we didn’t get a chance to make the playoffs. But it’s our fault. It’s our fault. Nobody but ourselves.
“The way the year ended, the last eight, nine games [following the first] eight-game stretch that we had after starting 6-2 — was kind of like, disappointing, to say the least.”
David said currently he’s just “chillin’” around his house, enjoying bringing his daughter to and from school and “adulting” around his house.
David added that last year at this time, he believes he was more motivated to return to the Bucs than he is now. David said last year he was genuinely peeved at losing a close game at home in the playoffs to Washington.
This January? David said he’s more disappointed than angry. That anger last year drove him to return.