One of the greatest and most consistent linebackers has announced his retirement from the NFL.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers great Lavonte David revealed he would be stepping away from the game after 14 seasons with the franchise.
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After 14 seasons, LaVonte David is retiring from the NFLCredit: Getty
The linebacker, who was a member of the Buccaneers Super Bowl winning side spearheaded by Tom Brady in 2020, racked up 225 appearances during his career.
The Buccanners announced their legendary player’s retirement in a heartfelt statement on Tuesday before David formally announced the news during a press conference.
“14 years of playing football, to come to this moment, I never thought I’d be in this situation. I never thought I’d be here,” David said.
David quickly became overwhelmed with emotion when paying tribute to his late parents.
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‘I’m a little emotional, because that’s how I always get when I talk about my parents,” David continued.
“Everybody has parents, man, but you don’t understand how much they meant to me,” he said before bursting into tears.
“Thinking about my dad, the sacrifices he made, he was never the breadwinner in our family, but for some reason him and my mom made it work.
“Their relationship lasted so long. And when you saw how they was compatible with each other and how they made our lives easier.”
David’s mother, Lynette, passed away from diabetes complications in 2016. His father Edward died after a battle with liver disease, just months after he won the Super Bowl.
David went on to express his gratitude towards the Buccaneers organization and their devoted fans.
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David was overcome with emotion when he began to talk about his late parentsCredit: YouTube @TampaBayBuccaneers
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David won Super Bowl LV with the BuccaneersCredit: Getty
“You guys were always my motivation. You’d wake me up every morning and keep me going to be able to play the game at a high level for this long you guys were a part of it.
“End of the day, I’ll always be a Buccanneer, and it’s always Bucs for life.”
David starred for Nebraska through college and was selected by Tampa Bay with the 58th overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.
He quickly became a key member of the Bucs’ defense, putting in consistent performances every week, but it still took him nine seasons to reach the postseason.
After their historic Super Bowl victory, the Buccaneers would clinch four consecutive NFC South titles between 2021-24.
David retires as the franchise leader in tackles for loss (177), forced fumbles (33), and fumble recoveries (21), while also ranking first in solo tackles since entering the NFL.
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David steps away from the game as a Buccaneers legendCredit: Getty
“For the past 14 seasons, Lavonte David has personified what it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccanneer,” the Glazer family, owners of the Bucs, said.
“Beyond the statistics and accolades, he will be remembered throughout Tampa Bay for his humble demeanour, and strong commitment to our community.
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“We wish him well on his journey after football and look forward to honouring his Hall of Fame-worthy achievements in the near future.”
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