Lavonte David Is Content Matching Derrick Brooks
April 13th, 2026
Happy how things turned out.
Former Bucs linebacker Lavonte David is rather content.
If David were chasing records, he could have stayed in the game. He had a roster spot with the Bucs if he wanted it.
David could have become the franchise record holder in tackles. He could have added to his thick resume with more numbers to boost his efforts to get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
So when appearing last week on “Speakeasy,” a weeknight sports talk show on YouTube hosted by former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho, David was asked if maybe he left something on the field, that maybe in late July when training camps open he might start getting his heart tugged that he needs to be wearing shoulder pads and not swim trunks.
Nah, David said. He’s in a good spot and is content with how his career played out.
“I did exceed my own expectations,” David said. “I came in as a rookie, just to contribute the best way I can.
“And then I got thrown into the fire right away. I became a starter Day 1. And from that point on it just clicked in my mind that I could play in this league a long time.”
David believes one reason he had such a good career was that he stayed focused. He wasn’t worried about the outside world. He wasn’t worried stats and numbers. He was just worried about playing good ball.
“All I did was stay disciplined and focused on what I could do,” David said. “I have never really, while I was in the game, [looked back and studied his career]. I never really got a chance to sit back and watch [past games on tape].
“Now that I’m out, I’m not mad at myself at all. I did more than I wanted to do in this league. I covered some great things. I tied Derrick Brooks with the record for franchise tackles. I’m happy with that.”
David was asked if he was positive when training camps open he won’t get the itch to return and help the Bucs out and add to his legacy.
Nope, David said. Time to turn the page on his life.
“People been saying, ‘Man, he should just go back one more year just to break the [franchise tackles] record,'” David said. “I’m like, ‘Nah man, you have no idea where I come from.’
“I never expected to get this far and I’m satisfied with that. I’m good with that.”
And just to emphasize, David wanted to remind Acho who he was tied with in total team tackles (which is likely inaccurate).
“That’s Derrick Brooks! I ain’t trippin’ at all.”
April 13th, 2026 at 12:25 am
So cool that he tied him.
April 13th, 2026 at 12:32 am
Warning Alert. David Overload in Progress!!
April 13th, 2026 at 12:45 am
What a FANTASTIC career… we know
But his legend and legacy will grow across the NFL fanbase when his stats are laid out among the greatest players of all time!
April 13th, 2026 at 3:14 am
David is my favorite Buc of all time. He surprised me consistency n determination to get turnovers. Then he actually got 2 blitz which I seen light up his excitement to continue playing football. Beast in coverage great tackles great leader. At times he’d be the only defender on our team stripping punching balls from the ball carrier. So glad I got 2 watch his entire career. He outplayed his draft mates despite not being elect to all pro or to pro bowls that he deserved to attend. He took over as our MLB n excelled 2 a whole new level. Cannot wait 2 see his jersey number retired added to the stadium. Enjoy ur retirement 54.
April 13th, 2026 at 4:27 am
HC Grover
No one will ever remember your name
April 13th, 2026 at 7:34 am
Brooks career tackles for loss: 68
David: 177
April 13th, 2026 at 9:45 am
DB55 had a hall of fame defensive coordinator, hall of fame true defensive head coach, and 3 other (really 4 other with Sim Rice) hall of fame teammates. And he was spectacular and I’m in awe.
Lavonte did it playing next to soft scrubs and coaching buffoons most of his career, except for the Bruce Arians oasis in the otherwise desert of incompetence.
That’s another reason for LVD to be in the HOF. He did it all without help. In fact he had to compensate for the buffoonery.
April 13th, 2026 at 9:46 am
A-freaking-men!
April 13th, 2026 at 11:25 pm
Any LVD comparison to 55 is absurd. David had a great career, and that should be enough. But he was not Derrick.