What’s Currently Going Through Lavonte David’s Mind?
January 30th, 2026
What is he thinking?
“Chillin'” and “adulting.”
That is what Bucs icon linebacker Lavonte David told Kay Adams of “Up and Adams” what he’s up to currently as he weighs the pros and cons of returning to the Bucs this fall.
David said that after meeting with Bucs coach Todd Bowles and Bucs AC/DC-loving general manager Jason Licht following the season, David was told the Bucs have a spot on the roster in 2026, should he choose to return.
David, 36, isn’t sure if he wants to play again or retire. And he will either play for the Bucs or call it a career. David is not interested in playing for another team.
Explaining this to Adams, she wanted to know what is going through David’s head as he winds down from the 2025 season and approaches the T-intersection of his adult life.
It was clear the way the Bucs’ 2025 season played out after the bye has depressed David.
“First and foremost, disappointed,” David said. “You know that we didn’t get a chance to make the playoffs. But it’s our fault. It’s our fault. Nobody but ourselves.
“The way the year ended, the last eight, nine games [following the first] eight-game stretch that we had after starting 6-2 — was kind of like, disappointing, to say the least.”
David said currently he’s just “chillin'” around his house, enjoying bringing his daughter to and from school and “adulting” around his house.
David added that last year at this time, he believes he was more motivated to return to the Bucs than he is now. David said last year he was genuinely peeved at losing a close game at home in the playoffs to Washington.
This January? David said he’s more disappointed than angry. That anger last year drove him to return.
January 30th, 2026 at 7:18 am
So a 36 year old washed up has a spot on the team if he wishes ……. How about getting some players to compete for every spot on the team ? This mentality of mediocrity is why we have season killing slumps every year ! Bowles gifted the HC job with no HC search has given us .500 ball and misery the last four years . Fire Todd Bowles ! Team Glazer is only putting off the inevitable!
January 30th, 2026 at 7:29 am
As a Bucs fan and LD fan. I hope he retires. It was rough watching him last year trying to run and keep up with the pace of the game. Missing tackles and getting pancaked game after game is not how he should be remembered. If he still wants to be around 1Buc. Let him coach.
January 30th, 2026 at 7:34 am
What’s going through his mind? Probably I DON’T WANNA PLAY IN THAT SCHEME ANYMORE.
January 30th, 2026 at 7:41 am
He’d make a good backup linebacker or play on first downs this coming season until the new guys are ready. Also a great presence in the LB room but not for huge money.
January 30th, 2026 at 7:43 am
I think unfortunately Dallas might take Styles though it’s a little early to draft a non-pass rushing lb. We’ll have to wait and see how it plays out.
January 30th, 2026 at 7:47 am
Lavonne telling the truth. Nothing changing. Why come back
January 30th, 2026 at 7:49 am
Just once is like to see Jason get some balls and trade up for a better player. Im so sick of him trying to outsmart everyone. Dudes the most predictable gm he will go fall in love at the senior bowl despite there being guys out there who all season have better tape and production. And then drafts the complete opposite of who we need. Itll be another interior guard or lb weber never heard of despure there being someone whos been a monster for a big time school. Its at this point just insanity. Trade up and get styles bain messidor idc. Bailey any of these guys that are going to be studs. Preferably bain.
January 30th, 2026 at 8:17 am
One more time, Lavonte, you got another great season in you. Let the knee heal and let’s come back and go out on a banger.
January 30th, 2026 at 8:22 am
I suspect they’re hoping he retires also, but would never push him out the door. Hated the way it ended for Brooks, Lynch and Sapp