Chatter Emerges Of A Lavonte David Return
March 25th, 2026
Joe is only sharing this because it comes from a credible source and the Bucs have a distinct pattern of engaging in this kind of activity.
So Lavonte David retired yesterday. His legendary 14-year career ended with an emotional news conference and many of his friends and family alongside him at One Buc Palace.
Hours later, a friend of Todd Bowles and a student of the NFL, ex-Bucs scout and former Jets linebackers coach and personnel chief Pat Kirwan, said on his SiriusXM NFL Radio show that he wouldn’t be surprised if David returns to play next season because he’s been so productive for so long, including last year.
No, Kirwan wasn’t high or unaware David retired.
In fact, Kirwan’s comments came after him lauding David’s underappreciated career and stats.
“Of course he could still play,” Kirwan said. “There are going to be things that are going to get tougher to do, like getting out on the slot. Now, if you’re always going to check zone, [David] could probably still do it. But if you ever wanted him to play man, that’s where things get a little rough in Year 15 of your football career. … Something tells me, Nov. 1st and the [Bucs] are out of linebackers, they call the old man, he shows up.”
Keep in mind Bowles is a regular in-season guest on Kirwan’s show.
Six weeks ago, David said, “I got a lot of football left in me,” and yesterday David did not say his body was done, only that he no longer had motivation to play.
What if that changes?
Joe considers David retired, but David is still human and in love with the game of football. In desperation moves in each of the past two seasons, the Bucs signed Shaq Barrett (2024) and Jason Pierre-Paul (2025). So please don’t tell Joe that David finding his way back onto the 2026 roster is ridiculous.
Heck, the Bucs brought back Tom Brady after he retired and did his best to break his Bucs contract so he could play for the Dolphins.
March 25th, 2026 at 9:04 am
Come on. That’s ridiculous. Nothing about this man suggests he is indecisive.
Just like Evans, he’s gone and as Hall and Oates said, you better learn how to face it.
March 25th, 2026 at 9:05 am
While we are at it, let’s bring back Dungy on defense and co-Arians and Gruden as OCs. I’d love to see that crazy show. Couldn’t be worse.
March 25th, 2026 at 9:06 am
This is like that scene in “The Office” when Toby returns…
Oh, God please NO!!!
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 25th, 2026 at 9:21 am
If the bucs are calling a 36 year old linebacker in November they are done there will be no point.
March 25th, 2026 at 9:25 am
Sigh…oh brother. Make it stop
March 25th, 2026 at 9:31 am
Doubtful – he wants to spend time with his daughter.
Someone would have to explain to Joe why a man can’t play football for three months (re: the example in this post) and not spend time with a child. –Joe
March 25th, 2026 at 9:35 am
Yeah he is returning to play but with the 49rs. He needs more HARDWARE!!!!
March 25th, 2026 at 9:42 am
He probably painted himself in a corner by supporting Toilet Bowls and lost his motivation because of the putrid defense. I said it yesterday, he may come back next year. Whether we move on from him is another story, but this year he was injured. Lavonte isn’t just going to fall off like he did last year because of age. Plus, with a better defensive coordinator, I can see him still being productive next year. Lavonte is a Buc for life.
March 25th, 2026 at 9:44 am
He needs just one more tackle to hold the all time Bucs tackle leader position. Right?
He’ll return.
March 25th, 2026 at 9:49 am
Bring him back as a coach !!!!
March 25th, 2026 at 10:01 am
@Bucman
That’s what I said. Put him on the coaching staff or in the front office. WE GOT KJ BRITT COMING BACK! ALL GOOD.
March 25th, 2026 at 10:05 am
lmao we’re less than 24 hours since his official retirement and we’re already talking about him coming back?
March 25th, 2026 at 10:21 am
Kirwan joins Bill Polian as Grumpy Old Men of NFL yesteryear. I’d be against it. When does this ever lead to anything more than embarrassment and/or a soft tissue injury? Licht does lather on the Desperation ™️ cologne at times, however…so I suppose you can’t rule it out completely.