April 1, 2026, 2:53 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prepare for life after Lavonte David, the conversation surrounding the team\u2019s next leaders continues to take shape. While several young defenders have already been highlighted as potential candidates to step into larger roles, another name has emerged, one that has already proven he can make a major impact when it matters most.<\/p>\n
Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey is the latest player David has pointed to as a potential future team captain, and it\u2019s not hard to understand why. Despite battling adversity this past season, Kancey showed exactly what kind of player and person he is down the stretch. After suffering a torn pec, a significant injury that could have easily sidelined him longer, Kancey worked his way back and returned late in the season, immediately making his presence felt along the defensive line.<\/p>\n
That kind of resilience doesn\u2019t go unnoticed in an NFL locker room.<\/p>\n
Kancey\u2019s ability to fight through rehab and still perform at a high level speaks directly to the traits teams look for in their leaders. It\u2019s not just about production, though Kancey has certainly flashed that with his explosiveness and interior pass-rushing ability, as it\u2019s about toughness, accountability, and setting a standard for others to follow.<\/p>\n
When he\u2019s on the field, Kancey brings a different element to Tampa Bay\u2019s defense. His quick first step and disruptive style allow him to penetrate the pocket and create chaos, often forcing quarterbacks off their spot and opening opportunities for others around him. That type of energy can be contagious, especially for a defensive unit looking to establish its identity moving forward. But much like the other young players David has endorsed, this is about more than just what happens between the lines.<\/p>\n