Former Husker Lavonte David announces retirement after 14 seasons with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I’ll always be *** buccaneer, and there’s always it’s bucks for life. After 14 seasons in the NFL, one of the most consistent linebackers of his generation is hanging up his cleats. Tampa Bay Buccaneer and Husker legend Lavonte David announced his retirement today. KETV Newswatch 7’s Connor Schmidt reports on his emotional farewell. *** second round pick out of Nebraska in 2012, Lavonta David became the heart of the Bucks’ defense. Tampa Bay says David ends his career after racking up more than 1700 tackles, earning all-pro honors, and helping them to *** Super Bowl title. I just want to start off by saying, man, God is amazing, uh. 14 years of playing football, uh, to come to this moment. Uh, I never thought I’d be in this situation. I never thought I’d be here. David says the journey started long before the NFL with sacrifices from his family that shaped the man and player he became. My mom took the car to work and my dad used to take me to practice on his handlebars, you know, and on *** bike. We used to walk sometimes and from those humble beginnings to becoming *** cornerstone in Tampa, David built *** reputation as one of the league’s most reliable and respected defenders. My 1 fourteen-year career has come to an end. And I feel it’s time to, you know, move on and, you know, find *** different path in life, mainly, uh, being *** dad to that amazing little girl over there. Now David says his focus shifts to family while still keeping the door open for what comes next. I still want to be *** part of the game. I still want to, you know, do, do things as *** part of the game, uh, maybe it’s broadcasting, maybe it’s getting in the scouting, maybe it’s coaching. I don’t know for sure yet, you know, just. When I look around, you know. My legacy, I would say, touched *** lot of people in *** good way, in *** positive way. Reporting in Omaha, Connor Schmidt, KETV Newswatch 7. And the Buccaneers are paying homage to Lavante by changing their profile photo on social media to his number 54. They say he’s forever *** buccaneer. The Huskers are also taking to social media, saying, quote, congratulations on *** legendary career, Lavonte.
Former Husker Lavonte David announces retirement after 14 seasons with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Updated: 6:22 PM CDT Mar 24, 2026
Lavonte David, a former Nebraska football standout, is retiring from the NFL.David, who played his entire 14-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, announced his retirement on Tuesday.He ranks fourth among NFL career solo tackle leaders since 1994 with 1,172. The former Husker finished with 14 career interceptions, 33 forced fumbles, 21 fumble recoveries and 42.5 sacks. “For the past 14 seasons, Lavonte David has personified what it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. He was a selfless leader both on and off the field, playing with passion and a genuine love for the game. He leaves a legacy as a Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest players in franchise history, setting a standard that will continue to impact our organization for years to come,” The Glazer Family, owners of the Buccaneers, said in a statement. “Today, we celebrate Lavonte’s legendary career as one of the most accomplished players of his era and thank him for the many memorable moments he provided our fans. Beyond the statistics and accolades, he will be remembered throughout Tampa Bay for his humble demeanor and strong commitment to our community. We wish him well on his journey after football and look forward to honoring his Hall of Fame-worthy achievements in the near future.”David earned a Super Bowl ring with the Bucs in 2021. He set Nebraska’s single-season tackle record in 2010 and finished in the top five on the Huskers’ all-time tackles list after two seasons.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
TAMPA, Fla. —
Lavonte David, a former Nebraska football standout, is retiring from the NFL.
David, who played his entire 14-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, announced his retirement on Tuesday.
He ranks fourth among NFL career solo tackle leaders since 1994 with 1,172. The former Husker finished with 14 career interceptions, 33 forced fumbles, 21 fumble recoveries and 42.5 sacks.
“For the past 14 seasons, Lavonte David has personified what it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. He was a selfless leader both on and off the field, playing with passion and a genuine love for the game. He leaves a legacy as a Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest players in franchise history, setting a standard that will continue to impact our organization for years to come,” The Glazer Family, owners of the Buccaneers, said in a statement. “Today, we celebrate Lavonte’s legendary career as one of the most accomplished players of his era and thank him for the many memorable moments he provided our fans. Beyond the statistics and accolades, he will be remembered throughout Tampa Bay for his humble demeanor and strong commitment to our community. We wish him well on his journey after football and look forward to honoring his Hall of Fame-worthy achievements in the near future.”
David earned a Super Bowl ring with the Bucs in 2021.
He set Nebraska’s single-season tackle record in 2010 and finished in the top five on the Huskers’ all-time tackles list after two seasons.
Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |