The Lavonte David Farewell Address
March 24th, 2026Joe doesn’t post YouTube videos in this space for a variety of reasons. But today is an exception.
Shortly after 2 p.m. this afternoon, Lavonte David took to the Buccaneers auditorium stage and announced his retirement. He talked about his life growing up, his deceased parents, family, teammates and more. He cried. He smiled. He was filled with gratitude. It’s all below.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:48 pm
Class act going to be strange not seeing 54 anymore but he went out the right way
March 24th, 2026 at 2:48 pm
I just got in my car! Did I hear that right on WDAE!? That Lavonte had DELETED every picture from his playing days entirely OFF of his Instagram/social media accounts!? If true, then THAT is very interesting. He must not have liked their offer I suppose.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:48 pm
On behalf of real Bucs fans, I want to apologize to Lavonte David for the team wasting his final year, a 6-2 start and a fairly manageable schedule against sub-standard teams.
He deserved to go out better.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:49 pm
He’s that man.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:51 pm
Lavonte should be a HOFer but thanks to someone in the organization whose defense sucks, he may not make it.
At least it’s good that the Bucs retain their best players for life, like Lavonte and Mike Evans.
Oh, wait.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:55 pm
Best player we’ve had for a looooong time
March 24th, 2026 at 2:55 pm
End of an era.
LVD deserved better than this garbage defense over the past few years.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:59 pm
SERIOUSLY!? They are discussing EXTENDING BAKER now!? Really!? Absolutely, ABSURD. If they EXTEND HIM… I swear to God, I am DONE with this stupid dumb ass TRASH Franchise. DONE. Nothing makes ANY amount of sense for it. NONE. Makes ZERO fricking sense. Nothing about it. 2027-Draft. New HC. New GM. Plus, you get him for a 1-year PROVE-IT. You make HIM prove-it. And, we’ll just wait and see about that “Chip.” Ridiculous. They better NOT. Could not be anymore IGNORANT of a move
March 24th, 2026 at 3:02 pm
There is ZERO reason to push more $$$$ down the road and further hurting our chances of landing at ‘top-tier’ HC.
March 24th, 2026 at 3:03 pm
And when Baker has a good year next year and his price goes up and he doesn’t want a prove it deal and he walks, you’ll be the first in here calling Licht incompetent for not extending him when he had the chance.
March 24th, 2026 at 3:03 pm
3.28.Evans
Lavonte should be a HOFer but thanks to someone in the organization whose defense sucks, he may not make it.
^^^^^^
What? LVD is a lock for the HOF.
#4 – Tackles for a Loss
#4 – Solo Tackles
#7 – Combined Tackles
LVD is the only MLB on the TFL stat until Urlacher for #17.
That said, can’t argue that Bowles is a horrible coach.
March 24th, 2026 at 3:07 pm
MelvinJunior Says:
SERIOUSLY!? They are discussing EXTENDING BAKER now!?
^^^^^^
Let’s give LVD his moment.
March 24th, 2026 at 3:08 pm
Now that is a man. You are told to idolize bums, but that is one dude kids can look up to.
Incredible career. Highs and lows, full spectrum. Hang it up proudly!!
March 24th, 2026 at 3:11 pm
Only in this place would posters sabotage a great moment and a great player and great man by talking about his somehow “wasted” career or talk about Baker.
Anyway, that was an emotional press conference and really showed why this guy was so special and motivated. He overcame a lot and had a hell of a career here in Tampa.
You will be missed and always appreciated by real Buc fans for what you accomplished here.
March 24th, 2026 at 3:11 pm
And replace Baker with whom?
March 24th, 2026 at 3:12 pm
MelvinJunior. Tough day for Bucs fans. I’ve been here since Baker got here. Lavonte is my favorite player on the team. Liked him alot more than I liked Mike. Anyway, MelvinJunior. “I swear to God, I am done with this stupid dumb ass Trash Franchise”. It’s a crying shame you’re such a pathetic liar, MelvinJunior.
March 24th, 2026 at 3:12 pm
Thanks LVD!
March 24th, 2026 at 3:13 pm
For all the all-pros and pro bowls he didn’t get.
First ballot and a gold jacket will make up for it.
Not just one of the best Bucs of his generation, but all around one of the best football players of his generation.
It’s to the point, as its’ announced 5-6 years from now. I’m going to fly out to Ohio and attend LVDs enshrinement.
March 24th, 2026 at 3:13 pm
BucsMinister
A rookie
March 24th, 2026 at 3:19 pm
Wonder if the Organization will keep him as a mentor for some of the younger guys.
LVD is a class act. I wish him nothing but success in his next endeavors.
March 24th, 2026 at 3:23 pm
Thanks for the memories Lavonte. Enjoy the next chapter of your life.
March 24th, 2026 at 3:27 pm
I remember when Lavonte was playing for Miami Northwestern
They was ranked one of the top high schools in America
But so was we ( Lakeland Dreadnaughts)
During that time it was either Northwestern or Lakeland
The top high school in Florida and America
I have always loved his game
March 24th, 2026 at 3:39 pm
What a class act! He’s that much closer to the HOF. A man with that level of character draws votes!
March 24th, 2026 at 3:41 pm
LEGEND. Good luck Lavonte!
March 24th, 2026 at 4:02 pm
Thanks, Joe. That was epic. I hope LVD’s next career move keeps him around us fans.