Appreciating Lavonte David
December 19th, 2021
Bucs LB Lavonte David
No, the guy can’t buy a ticket to the Pro Bowl. But he can sure ball out like anyone who has ever played in a Pro Bowl.
And that man is Bucs linebacker Lavonte David, a Bucs fixture for 10 seasons. Drafted in the second round in 2012, David has had such an impact that he will have his name up in the Ring of Honor someday, no doubt about it.
Even if he cannot get to the Pro Bowl.
Oh, David got to the Pro Bowl once (2015). And he was an All-Pro his second year in the league (2013). A big reason why he hasn’t was that until last year, the Bucs were the fire hydrant in the NFL’s dog park.
David, who would much, much rather stay in the background than promote himself, sucked it up one season. Frustrated he couldn’t get to the Pro Bowl, he went on Radio Row at the Super Bowl to get his name out there to the American public. The next year was the first and only time he’s been to a Pro Bowl.
David has been one of the best linebackers in the game and consistent as the tides since his rookie season. Only after suffering a sprained ankle this year has David looked somewhat average.
Below, Joe has a couple of graphics from the Bucs’ media relations departments documenting what kind of force David has been.
David needs just 14 tackles in the next four games to have his ninth season of 100 tackles. Pretty freaking impressive.
Pro Football Hall of Fame? He should be there if folks take stats seriously. For years, David battled with Luke Kuechly for the title of best linebacker in the NFC South. No one disputes that Kuechly will be in the Hall of Fame someday.
But you know what? David has something Kuechly will never have unless he buys one from a pawn shop: A big ol’ fat, gaudy Super Bowl ring.
December 19th, 2021 at 5:42 am
That late hit in the jets game on opening day hung over him
Incredible player
December 19th, 2021 at 6:20 am
Thru 147 games, he’s ahead or on pace w/ Derrick Brooks in every category except Int’s. It’s amazing
December 19th, 2021 at 6:56 am
He’s also going to have a longer career than Kuechly. His lack of accolades will be used against him but he’s undoubtedly a hall of famer
December 19th, 2021 at 7:03 am
The guy that prsents David is good, so he gets in.
Bucs 38- Slimy Saints 24-FIRE THE CANNONS!!!!!!!!
December 19th, 2021 at 8:21 am
Under carreer tackles for the bucs they show Derrick brooks with 2k+, I can find that number anywhere to confirm. highest I could find was 1700, that is off by like 5 seasons!
December 19th, 2021 at 10:08 am
If the Bucs can win another SuperBowl it would give Ira a platform for his presentations to future Hall Of Fame committee recommendations.
Other than Derrick, Lavonte has been the great Buc linebacker in team history.
Tremendous worker and hustle player. Definition of a professional, Lavonte David.
December 19th, 2021 at 10:16 am
HOFamer on and off the field.
December 19th, 2021 at 10:21 am
Ive said it before and will say it again. In the end they will have to compare lvd and brooks numbers. And brooks in discussion of best buc of all time.
Brooks / sapp/ selmon
Now lvd will not have the ints that brooks has. But the trade off is # of sacks which lvd leads by good margin
I Don’t have many buc jerseys cause not a jersey guy. But i got davids
December 19th, 2021 at 10:46 am
Love Lavonte, but he won’t get into Hall of Fame. Probably should with the numbers he will end up with, but those lack of Pro Bowls and All Pros will be a big negative on the lazy voters who don’t watch Bucs games and just vote for the guys they covered.
December 19th, 2021 at 12:21 pm
Yeah if your in the top 3 of every major catalog with Bobby Wagner and Luke K, and you have more TFL than defensive linemen?? You deserve the HOF
December 19th, 2021 at 1:23 pm
I note that in the TFL category in the graphic, David is the only off-ball linebacker surrounded by D linemen and edge rushers. That impresses me. He easily compares to most HOF linebackers, and still has years, probably, left to play.
Too bad he’s been hobbled for half of this season. I hope he and Devin can get healed up some by the playoffs.
December 19th, 2021 at 3:26 pm
This is the best post you’ve done in a while. Hate that he got buried on so many bad teams but I’m so glad he’s getting his shine now. Legit one of the best linebackers to ever play the game.
December 19th, 2021 at 3:31 pm
What Erik said. Unfortunately for him Pro Bowl nods are popularity contests. He deserves to be in. We win another SB that should help him, some. It’s a shame that the people who matter most when weighing a players worthiness don’t carry enough when it comes to the No Bowl