Lavonte David’s Favorite Stat
March 28th, 2026
Tackles-for-loss machine.
When a linebacker plays above the rim for 14 years without a major injury, naturally, the man is going to pile up statistics.
Case in point for the recently retired Lavonte David: He is tied with Derrick Brooks for the most tackles in Bucs history with 1,714. Pretty impressive. (Yes, Joe knows tackles stats are not uniform. NFL data has Brooks leading David. Another stats service has them tied.)
But that statistic is not what turns on David himself. Appearing this week on “Up and Adams” hosted by Kay Adams and seen on FanDuel TV, David cited a stat that is known far more for defensive linemen and pass rushers than linebackers.
“The one that really sticks out the most to me is the tackles for loss,” David said. “The 177 titles for loss only because when you look at the list, it’s nothing but D-linemen that’s on the list.
“There are guys who always just strictly rush the passer or got a chance too. But their way is easy. But for me being an off the ball linebacker my whole career, it just goes to show my knowledge of the game, my understanding of the defense that I’m playing in, and the understanding of what the offense is trying to do.
“It is showing my ability … to play downhill.”
Yes, David is No. 4 on the all-time list in the modern era with 177, tied with Von Miller. Only Terrell Suggs, Calais Campbell and J.J. Watt have more.
David makes a great point if you ask Joe. Think about it: to have a ton of tackles for loss, a linebacker not only has to be in position that often to make a play, but he also has to be able to read and react with lightning speed.
Talk about a heat-seeking missile.
The next inside linebacker closest to David is Brian Urlacher at No. 17.
Pretty, pretty impressive to Joe.
Lavonte David says being 4th all-time in TFL means the most to him out of all his accolades 😤@LavonteDavid54 | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/5QXoW1nDkU
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 26, 2026
March 28th, 2026 at 12:18 am
A great man. No one should ever wear #54 on the Buccaneers again.
March 28th, 2026 at 12:22 am
His TFL, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries put him in a league of his own. Love #54, can’t wait for him to go to Canton.
March 28th, 2026 at 12:38 am
“But for me being an off the ball linebacker my whole career, it just goes to show my knowledge of the game, my understanding of the defense that I’m playing in, and the understanding of what the offense is trying to do.“
This is what separates great players from good players.
March 28th, 2026 at 12:43 am
He makes an excellent point.
Speaking of Calais Campbell, he isn’t slowing down. He has averaged 50 tackles, 10 TFLs and 6 sacks over the past three years for 3 different teams. He is a FA and has history with Bowles. I know he is ancient but 6’8” 315 lbs of savvy run defense and pocket pushing at 40 is better than anything available in this draft at DT. I figured he was back in AZ to retire but who wants to play for that team right now? He only made $5.5 mil in 2025 but Sportrac seems to think he is worth twice that ($10.9 mil) in 2026. Adding him and/or DJ Reader would be fantastic. I don’t see any of these draftee DTs being what the Bucs need in 2026.
March 28th, 2026 at 12:44 am
Best player on this defense since Ronde Barber left. I don’t count the rentals like Revis or Suh. Those dudes are obvious HOFers as rentals.
March 28th, 2026 at 12:53 am
Crazy that he tied Brooks on total tackles.
March 28th, 2026 at 4:34 am
First Ballot
March 28th, 2026 at 6:04 am
Wow!
March 28th, 2026 at 6:14 am
Awesome stuff
He’s always been extremely humble. I like hearing him over this week long his own horn for a little bit. And it’s not coming across arrogant or cocky… It’s just facts.
March 28th, 2026 at 6:24 am
Class act, HOF.
March 28th, 2026 at 6:33 am
Those snap decisions…that mind/body connection. Thats what I see with JRod and Hill jr.
March 28th, 2026 at 8:54 am
i want one of those skull caps like lavonte wears in the above pic…
someone please send me one 🙂
i’m being serious…i want one
March 28th, 2026 at 8:55 am
HOF. Make it happen Ira.
March 28th, 2026 at 10:33 am
Lavonte stats are better than probably 90% of linebackers that’s in the HOF
But stats don’t get you into the HOF, it’s a popularity slideshow
No different from All Pro, Pro Bowl
March 28th, 2026 at 12:55 pm
One day there will be no more Evans or David articles.
March 28th, 2026 at 1:38 pm
David just retired. Sheesh. You can always take the attitude elsewhere, ya know?
March 28th, 2026 at 2:08 pm
If Calais Campbell were to come here and line up next to Vea, our defensive line would be terrifying. We would routinely squish our opponents. He’s a MONSTER.
March 28th, 2026 at 2:40 pm
His favorite stat is making over $100m in career earnings 🙂
March 28th, 2026 at 4:23 pm
He’s right. 177 TFL is insane.
I also support Calais Campbell replacing Hall at DE.
I agree that Vea + Campbell would be terrifying
We should have signed him many years ago.
We need a leader these days.
DE in our scheme is easy for him.
Just stop the run.