Appreciating Lavonte David’s Final NFL Days
December 25th, 2025
Joe is confident Lavonte David could find a job in the NFL next season. He leads the Bucs with 105 tackles and hasn’t missed a game.
But it’s obvious that David’s game has regressed significantly. Even ex-NFL players are not wincing when they say David’s play is showing his nearly 36 years on the planet.
Joe sees it on the All-22. David can’t play sideline-to-sideline anywhere near the way he used to, and he’s no longer special in coverage.
Even Todd Bowles publicly wagged a finger at David on the Buccaneers Radio Network this week for screwing up in coverage on the Panthers’ final touchdown.
Sobering times. Joe assumes David will hang it up soon after this season — based on what Joe has heard and sees.
David’s body language should be an interesting read playing against his hometown team on Sunday. Joe can only imagine how many David friends and family will be in the crowd in Miami Gardens.
Joe hopes Bucs fans can abandon their Todd Bowles rage for a while and savor David’s final snaps of this season.
Last week, David joined his good friend Gerald McCoy, the six-time former Pro Bowl Buccaneer, for an interview on NFL.com.
David addressed the recennt sad and notorious Todd Bowles profanity-laced rant and David talked about that message getting through. Well, the evidence of that is shaky.
“Like you don’t see that out of Coach Bowles, obviously,” David said. “You don’t see that a lot out of Coach Bowles. He’s always an upbeat, even-keeled guy. For that to happen, you know, we took heart in it. We gotta hold ourselves accountable.”
David also talked about how the Bucs need to be more physical, especially early in games. He added that the main thing for the Bucs defense against Carolina would be starting fast.
That didn’t happen.
The Panthers took the opening drive to the Bucs’ 6 yard line. The Bucs defense then stuffed a run on third down to force a field goal. But the Panthers led 13-10 at halftime after an explosive play to close the half.
David also mentioned how confident the Bucs remain in the midst of their losing stretch. Joe almost thinks that confidence (overconfidence?) has been hurting the team in recent weeks.
December 25th, 2025 at 1:22 pm
Do glad he got his ring. So deserving. The HOF awaits.
December 25th, 2025 at 1:23 pm
A hero that goes out on his shield. The man played for the worst teams and the best ones. All being on one team. Best defensive player since brooks.
December 25th, 2025 at 1:26 pm
Blah blah blah
Everybody is checked out. The vacation trips are booked. That’s for coaches and players.
7-10 is coming!!!!
December 25th, 2025 at 1:32 pm
Not so sure any team would sign David next year Joe, especially at 8-10 million. Joe did not reference he cost. –Joe I’m sure Licht would if he’s still here. Hopefully he’s not.
December 25th, 2025 at 1:56 pm
I am not against keeping Bowles for another year as he does great for the player/coach relationship and helps Licht keeps our own talent and recruit new players; however, Bowles needs to hire a defensive coach and focus on being a head coach. His defense has run its course and other teams has figured out how to beat his scheme.
December 25th, 2025 at 1:56 pm
Retire…fire Todd
December 25th, 2025 at 1:58 pm
Even the Gators were smart enough to go get a new head coach hopefully the Bucs get wise.fire todd
December 25th, 2025 at 1:59 pm
Absolutely savor David. He should have been in a complimentary role this season.
To much has been asked and expected at this point in his career!!. While I am not a Bowles detractor, I do hold him and Licht accountable for not having better players around him. He has been one incredible player and they should have respected his age and asked him to do less.
They have left him out there With no mob support cast for the last couple years!!
Anyway my hat is off to him do hate to see him go out this way playing on such a poor defense!!! He deserves more!!!!
December 25th, 2025 at 2:01 pm
Gonna be a sad day when David walks off that field for the last time in his Bucs jersey. He stepped in and filled some massive shoes from #55 and did a great job on and off the field representing himself, his family and the Bucs. If he’s done this year, next year his name should be in the ring of honor! So much fun to watch and how he handled himself over the years. I just wish we could have got him one more Super Bowl so it made him easier to get into the HOF. Thanks David!! True Bucs Icon!!!
Merry Christmas to the Joe’s and Ira! You guys had another great year writing such great stories and doing some truly great podcasts!! Merry Christmas guys! Also, Merry Christmas to everyone who comes on here day in and day out! Even watching this sad display by the Bucs lately everyone in the comments sure knows how to get me LMAO!! Merry Xmas to everyone at Joe Bucs fan and all the readers!!
December 25th, 2025 at 2:07 pm
Lavonte made us proud year after year.
Excellent player and person. Top shelf, first class, elite, champion, team player.
I can’t say enough about him and how much I appreciate him playing for our Bucs.
Very lucky to have him as a Buc!
December 25th, 2025 at 2:10 pm
ROH player without a doubt but please don’t try to sign Lavonte again this offseason, It’s time to move on. If the defense wasn’t so disgustingly embarrassing maybe but time to start ripping off the band aids
December 25th, 2025 at 2:10 pm
I wonder… if LVD had a stud next to him, strong line in front of him, if he would not have looked far better this year. -and possibly could play next year in spots
I wouldn’t rush him out the door. Could be great to have him in locker room and playing in spots
December 25th, 2025 at 2:11 pm
“Joe hopes Bucs fans can abandon their Todd Bowles rage for a while and savor David’s final snaps of this season.”
Do you now Joe ? Lol.
Cmon man, you’ve been stoking the very rage you refer to more than anyone else I know of – for some time.
December 25th, 2025 at 2:18 pm
Love LVD
December 25th, 2025 at 2:25 pm
I was sad when 55 retired I’ll be be sad when 54 hangs it up
December 25th, 2025 at 2:25 pm
Its been hard watching David these last few games. He just does not have it anymore. Yet and still, I wish him well. He gave the organization some really good years.
December 25th, 2025 at 2:32 pm
Hope he take Deion Jones with him, another one of Jason Licht WASHED UP recruits. Why Jason Licht loves these over-the-hill players, is beyond me..
December 25th, 2025 at 2:33 pm
We knew this coming into the season
And Deion Jones should follow him out the door
December 25th, 2025 at 2:36 pm
It’s going to be a real sad day when he retires for most fans. It’s bin great watching him his whole nfl career. A true professional on and off the field. He should be hands down in the HOF.
December 25th, 2025 at 2:40 pm
Man it’s rare to have this caliber of a play for the amount of time we’ve had Lavonte. Truly speaks to how great this organization is. Time for the next man to step up
Go Bucs.
December 25th, 2025 at 2:46 pm
Sad for him, I can still see # 55 chasing a play down from behind in his last season….
December 25th, 2025 at 2:55 pm
So many holes to fill next season.
December 25th, 2025 at 3:09 pm
Oh good for him. This is getting a bit thick.
December 25th, 2025 at 3:10 pm
He will stay an hange in with JPP the over the Hill Gang.
December 25th, 2025 at 5:35 pm
I wonder if LVD could play another year or two in a 4/3 defense where his main responsibility is stopping the run in the middle and/or blitzing the QB?
December 25th, 2025 at 5:40 pm
Standing Ovation
I’m glad he went until he lost a step. It’s the right time.
December 25th, 2025 at 5:44 pm
Next year is goinf to have soooo many changes. I hope it does not result with the Bucs beginning a new lost decade
December 25th, 2025 at 6:34 pm
LVD is a future HOF and ROH
We love you Lavonte
December 25th, 2025 at 7:40 pm
LaVonte David…. A TRUE Tampa Bay Buccaneer ~ ” ICON ” ~ and STILL a Stud compared to MOST humans his age. SO GRATEFUL that he Got His Ring and was able to FINALLY HOLD the Lombardi High in the Air! He… just like Mike SURE Deserved it!
And YES! I for one EXPECT the see him in the Ring of Honor just as soon as he retires. There isn’t a argument to the pretend he doesn’t belong in the Whole Wide World!
December 25th, 2025 at 7:53 pm
Ring of honor!!
HOF!
Ring!
Enough said