Family Was A Key Factor Why Lavonte David Retired
March 25th, 2026
Daddy duties.
To see Bucs icon Lavonte David dote on his little daughter, Logan, before Bucs games, it was clear she means the world to him. So much so David didn’t deny she was a big reason why he’s no longer an NFL player.
Earlier this offseason, when appearing on “Bussin’ With The Boys” podcast co-hosted by his former Nebraska teammate Will Compton, David noted he was enjoying taking his daughter to school each day and that she didn’t want him playing football any longer.
“This Joe” was damn near convinced upon hearing that the days of David being on the Bucs roster were numbered.
And while David didn’t say yesterday he retired specifically to spend more time with her, he did admit it was a factor.
“I feel it’s time to move on and find a different path in life, mainly being a dad to that amazing little girl over there,” David said. “She’s changed my life so much.
“People always talk about, ‘Man, you need to have a daughter. You need to have a daughter.’ You never understand it. I’m like, ‘Why do you want me to have a daughter so bad?’ Being a masculine man, you want to have a son. I want a son so he can follow in my footsteps and so I can help him become a man.’
“Little did I know that having a girl helped me become a man – having to understand what’s important in life. She definitely does that daily. I’m thankful. I’m sure she [doesn’t] understand right now, but when she looks back, she’ll see.
“It’s an incredible journey, an incredible time in my life, to be able to raise her to be an incredible young woman and be the best person in the world and be kind, be generous, be loving and be caring to people you come across. I see it in her already. I just hope that I can continue to do that.”
In his farewell speech from One Buc Palace, David displayed, maybe even shocked some, how eloquent and classy of a guy he is.
Joe knew David was a class act. But that farewell speech was a display for the world to see he’s not just the Bucs’ “I Am That Man,” but David may be a man everyone should strive to be.
March 25th, 2026 at 5:30 am
David is one of those rare cases in today’s society. Everybody likes him!
And if by some chance you don’t, you need to get fitted for a brain un-scrambler.
I read many of yesterday’s comments on his retirement, and it came across like some of you were crying as you lauded him. But you should be celebrating!
In most any other profession, his work life would still be in its infancy. But not in the NFL. Doesn’t matter—Lavonte was in rarified air. He got paid, and paid well for playing a game.
And he played it well!
For all practical purposes, his life is just getting started. He’s young, doesn’t need to worry about money, and he has a loving family … icing on the cake!
He’s what Gronk would call, “A good dude!”
And I’m sure, whatever he decides to do with life’s next chapter, he will land on his feet. Thanks for the memories, young man!
March 25th, 2026 at 5:41 am
Honestly , LD was a great player for the Bucs for so long !! But his leadership was awful ! Horrid ! The D captain let his crew quit on Bowles , couldn’t get White in line ! Leadership lacking so so bad on this team ! Bowles will give us another 8-9 season at best and complain that he is rebuilding the team …. Another bunch of Bullspit to keep his job !
March 25th, 2026 at 5:46 am
Bro finally a new era of Bucs football
Mike Evans and Lavonte David will be missed
WHO WILL BE THE NEW PLAYERS TO STEP UP AND BE LEADERS FOR THIS FRANCHISE
Joe what are we doing at CORNERBACK
Joe what are we doing at EDGE RUSHER outside of Muhammad, who was a good pick up, that dude gets after it.
STILL NO MAX CROSBY? Man cmon stop being cheapskates
I said it during last season and I’ll say it again, JASON LIGHT didn’t give Lavonte David any damn help in his last season and the Bucs 50th season via a TRADE
We literally missed the window
March 25th, 2026 at 5:49 am
Joe
Let it sink in
We didn’t give Lavonte David and Mike Evans any help in their last seasons here just for the right to draft 15th
Unbelievable
Is the 15th pick that important ???
March 25th, 2026 at 6:13 am
A great player and an even better man – enjoy your retirement and thank you for being a Buc.
Retire #54 and induct to Ring of Honour
March 25th, 2026 at 6:36 am
Daughter’s do change your life!
March 25th, 2026 at 6:38 am
Take notes Mike.
March 25th, 2026 at 6:43 am
These retirements and players leaving make it much easier to re-sign Baker and Yaya.
March 25th, 2026 at 6:44 am
???? Makes no sense at all.
March 25th, 2026 at 6:50 am
They should consider Lavonte in the front office or the coaching staff.
March 25th, 2026 at 7:34 am
The regression years. Sponsored by Glazer and produced by Bowles. Coming soon to a Bucs squad near you.
March 25th, 2026 at 7:51 am
👆👆👆👆👆Is that you 3.28?👆👆👆👆👆👆
March 25th, 2026 at 8:27 am
A great man. A great father. A great player. A great member of the community.
That is Lavonte David.
March 25th, 2026 at 9:21 am
Godspeed. Enjoy retirement. We will surely see and hear from him from time to time.
March 25th, 2026 at 11:58 am
I know the drill, have 2 keeping me busier than ever
March 25th, 2026 at 11:58 am
God bless David and his daughter so much
March 25th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
What happened to his baby mama??
March 25th, 2026 at 1:21 pm
The world needs more people like lavonte David. I understand what he means by the daughter comments though. Special for girl dads out there
March 25th, 2026 at 1:33 pm
Not many Lavonte David’s in the world anymore.
We now have “it’s all about me.”
March 25th, 2026 at 1:40 pm
I am really confused what is happening at OBP. LVD goes out with grace and thanks the organization and all the people who helped him along the way. On the other hand, Evans pulls his foundation from the Tampa Bay area and barely says anything on the way out. Players don’t pull their foundations from the area they spent over a decade in. They expand their foundation to the next club and area they are playing in. This is bad optics for ME and the Bucs!
March 25th, 2026 at 2:40 pm
I used to admire Evans but after his last skank move on from the franchise, fan club and anything buc related; LVD has taken his spot. He’s a legend. Hall of famer and ring of honor type.