What Are Lavonte David’s Plans?
January 15th, 2026
Talks “daddy mode.”
Bucs iconic linebacker Lavonte David really doesn’t know if he has a future as an NFL player. That doesn’t mean he can’t play, but he’s not sure if he wants to.
David appeared yesterday on “Bussin’ with the Boys,” co-hosted by his former Nebraska teammate Will Compton and former Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan.
There, Compton didn’t waste a second. As soon as David was introduced, Compton went right for David’s jugular wanting to know his football plans.
Will Compton: Hey bro, we could talk NFL. But are you coming back next year?
Lavonte David: Am I coming back next year? You know what Will? I am going to be honest with you man. I’m not even thinking about football right now, honestly.
Lewan then joked that David isn’t thinking about football because that was a negotiating ploy to get BSPN to sweeten the pot with some more Disney loot for a job.
David later reinforced his point that he’s not thinking about football or playing in 2026, and that he’s getting a big kick out of driving his daughter to school, saying he is in “daddy mode.”
David did let it be known his daughter does not want him playing football any longer.
Is it time for David hang up his cleats? Probably. He’s still an effective player but David isn’t close to what he once was (who is?).
Damn, Joe hopes the Bucs can draft Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles. And Joe is selfish wanting to see David still play for the Bucs and take Styles under his wing like we all know David would do.
What better situation could Styles find?
Joe has no idea if David will retire. But his postgame speech to the Bucs after the win over Carolina sure seemed like a goodbye speech.
Sonny Styles is playing like a lottery pick. Would be my LB1 in most classes pic.twitter.com/9CfysTIVwN
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) November 11, 2025
January 15th, 2026 at 7:01 am
Everybody loves Lavonte, as they should but it’s time to hang em up.
January 15th, 2026 at 7:03 am
Retire with dignity LVD. You earned it.
January 15th, 2026 at 7:17 am
It would be like Johnny Unitas with the Chargers
January 15th, 2026 at 7:17 am
Or the Texas Tech kid Rodrigues. He could be the second one we draft later in the rounds
January 15th, 2026 at 7:24 am
@BucU
@Bee
Yeah I agree I think he’s probably gonna retire.
January 15th, 2026 at 7:38 am
It really doesn’t matter. I shouldn’t matter. He is not a starting linebacker anymore. Bucs fans, more than any other fan base are stuck in the past and get the most se time tap and nostalgic – when those things shouldn’t be blended with reality. Two things can be true. Lavonte David is the second greatest linebacker in this teams history and should walk in to the hall of fame. 2025 lavonte was not only a shell of himself but made up by fFAR the worst linebacker room in the league which is a massive reason why the Bucs defense is a complete joke. 2020 is over. It has long been over. The Bucs need new blood. Of somewhat similar note – articles stating Mike Evans needs to be a priority in the off season is co lately insane. You guys are insane. A 34 yr old wide receiver with a high price tag is a god damn luxury l, and the Bucs are in no position for luxury. Jerry Rice had a greater career 5 times over Mike Evans and he’s in the argument for greatest player ever – and even HE wore a different uniform. GET OVER YOURSELVES. The team and fans need to learn how to move on. This is what made Belicheks patriots great
January 15th, 2026 at 7:41 am
Retirement please!
January 15th, 2026 at 7:53 am
Do not tarnish a long and distinguished HOF worthy career when you have fought a great battle with Father Time, but ultimately it is time.
January 15th, 2026 at 8:00 am
Lavonte is another stand-up guy and definitely a HOFer! Seeing his face when mentioning he is in “daddy mode” and talking about his daughter showed where his true heart really is at, family. He said it was a tough season body wise, knee. He proved his football time. I love him, however he needs to think about his health, family, and future years first.
January 15th, 2026 at 8:04 am
Come on back Lavonte why not this is a throw away season anyway doesn’t matter who we draft or sign and this will help Bowles get fired. He came on the Joe Bucs podcast this summer and said inside linebacker was the deepest position on the roster last summer they’ll just run it back with the same old guys.
January 15th, 2026 at 8:11 am
LVD has earned the privilege to do as he wishes….somehow, he was will make the right decision…..
January 15th, 2026 at 8:31 am
Time for David to sail off into the Sunset. Let’s keep it real. His performance this past season was Average at best. In some games, you did not even hear his name called. Father time has caught up with him. And David, take your backup with you.
January 15th, 2026 at 8:35 am
Agreed love lvd but time to pass the torch
January 15th, 2026 at 8:40 am
Retire. Sign next year for one game to break the tackle record.
January 15th, 2026 at 8:41 am
I realize Lavonte did not have the season he usually has but neither did anyone else on defense. Jacob Parrish, Tykee Smith and YaYa Diaby were very good and exceptions. Everyone else seemed to have an unremarkable and largely forgettable season. Lavonte was second on the team with 70 tackles hardly the biggest reason the defense struggled, I agree with Joe, one more season to mentor new linebackers and provide leadership on a team that seems to sorely need it would be a plus and not a negative for this team. I also think he deserves to go out when and how he wants. This team, ownership, the fans, owe him this.
January 15th, 2026 at 8:59 am
Mother Nature is undefeated, you can’t escape time.
I’ve always thought of LVD as a solid LB. Statistically, he ranks up there. However, there is no way that you can tell me that he hasn’t “fallen off”. It’s time to be honest…it’s time!
January 15th, 2026 at 9:03 am
Y’all know that taking another player under your wing is pure 100% unadulterated BS, right? Did David take Devin White under his wing? How about Dennis? It’s only a thing in movies and in the imaginations of gullible football fans. Players make themselves… very little influence from other players.
January 15th, 2026 at 9:17 am
Promote Larry Foote and sign Lavonte as his replacement.
January 15th, 2026 at 9:30 am
I’m with @DungyDance, let LVD retire now after a great HOF career and bring him back as a coach. He knows Bowles’ defense better than anyone and he would be valuable coaching his rookie replacement – Styles?
January 15th, 2026 at 9:48 am
He needs to retire. 2026 is going to be a bad year and he shouldn’t be part of the total disaster Bowles is going to cause. Every team in the division will get better except the Bucs.
January 15th, 2026 at 9:53 am
Enough is enough.
January 15th, 2026 at 9:59 am
Lavonte, you were great. This past year was by far not your best. Walk away and enjoy your life while you still have your health.
January 15th, 2026 at 10:03 am
Honestly it’s hard to know if Lavonte has truly declined as much as some say or if the scheme Bowles runs is just that bad. Who actually thrived in that defense last year?….Name one player? There were flashes but nobody had a solid year in that scheme. Bowles consistently takes talented players and somehow over time their play and attitudes diminish.