Gerald McCoy describes his “little brother” relationship with Lavonte David.

Lavonte David’s retirement last week was touching in a lot of ways. There was David’s emotional stories of how his parents, who didn’t have much money, always found a way to help him chase his football dreams.

David’s day was also a celebration of David’s teammates, past and present, who showed up to recognize one of the greatest Bucs in history.

One such ex-teammate was six-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.

“Lavonte is different,” GMC told Joe when Joe asked him to describe David. “He’s my little brother, man. When I think of Lavonte David I think of a brother, a younger sibling.

“Most parents raise you to protect your younger siblings and to look out for your little brother. And that’s what he has always meant to me.”

GMC was drafted in the first round two years prior to David. They were supposed to be sworn enemies. GMC was a Sooners star; David was a Cornhuskers standout. Oil and water aren’t supposed to mix. But the two became tight.

“I get a little sensitive with Lavonte because I take [the relationship] very personally,” GMC said. “To protect him. Because he’s my little brother.”

GMC’s words weren’t empty. When David announced his retirement last week, he gave GMC a special shoutout.

Back in 2016, David lost his mother to complications from diabetes. It hit David hard. So hard he admitted he wasn’t sure at the time if he wanted to continue with football.

It was GMC, David said, who helped him during the tough time. GMC felt the same heartache when he was a freshman at Oklahoma when his mother died of a brain aneurysm.

Had GMC not been there for David, who knows how David’s career may have ended? So in a way, Bucs fans should be thankful for GMC helping David through an awful time to continue to play football at a high level, eventually winning a ring with the Bucs and (hopefully) having a Hall of Fame career.