Lavonte David Will Retire Today
March 24th, 2026
Fourteen seasons of Buccaneers greatness have come to an end.
This afternoon at One Buc Palace, legendary Bucs linebacker Lavonte David will announce his retirement.
Former and recent teammates are expected there when the Bucs icon makes it official at 2 p.m. in the team auditorium.
David’s career spanned five head coaches and as many defensive coordinators. He played in a 4-3 and in a 3-4, and David thrived in them all.
Joe was so glad to see David get loads of national spotlight during the past six seasons, when the Bucs played in dozens of prime time games plus 10 postseason games, including their Super Bowl win five years ago. That exposure didn’t send David back to the Pro Bowl or the All-Pro team, but it did help raise his profile and lead many in the media to label him a worthy future Hall of Fame inductee.
David’s first four Bucs seasons — under head coaches Greg Schiano and Lovie Smith — were a blur of speed, power and relentless pursuit of the football.
Recently, David talked about how his ugly, game-losing personal foul penalty at the Jets on opening day of the 2013 season locked him in to a new level of focus, so he wouldn’t be remembered for that high-profile fail to close “The Darrelle Revis Return” game. And David sure responded to his personal challenge. He finished that season with 7 sacks, 5 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 10 passes defensed, 145 combined tackles and his first All-Pro (first team) honor.
David delivered so much greatness for so long — at outside linebaker and inside linebacker — Joe could write another 1,000 words. But no words can really do David’s career justice.
David walks away today a Super Bowl champ, a true franchise legend and hopefully satisfied that he left everything he had on the field — and happy that he walked the walk after saying he wanted to be a Buc for Life.
Joe will have plenty later from David’s news conference.
March 24th, 2026 at 11:40 am
Enjoy your post playing career Mr. David and thanks for the memories. Glad you got out while you can still enjoy your life.
March 24th, 2026 at 11:42 am
Thanks Lavonte for being the Stud LB you are
Thanks for the hard work and dedication you gave this franchise
Thanks for 14 amazing years
And thank you Mark Dominik for having the insight to draft LVD
March 24th, 2026 at 11:42 am
Thank goodness!!!!
Time to go!
Love you bro but it’s over…
I’m glad to see the Bucs are finally dumping all the dead weight this off-season.
I hate to hurt your fee-fees but Godwin is next unless he can return to the glory days with 1200 yds receiving and @ 8 TDs or so.
Too much money wasted on too weak production last season from Evans, LVD and Godwin.
Go Bucs!
March 24th, 2026 at 11:48 am
@MarineBuc Stay classy
March 24th, 2026 at 11:49 am
Well played Sir
March 24th, 2026 at 11:49 am
LEGEND!
ICON!
BEAST!
March 24th, 2026 at 11:50 am
Mark Dominik traded the Bucs 3rd and 5th round picks to Denver
For the Broncos 2nd round pick, which he used to draft Lavonte
One of the GREATEST draft moves in Bucs history
Especially for a LB, that scouts were saying was too slow, and too small
We have to give Dominik lots of credit
March 24th, 2026 at 11:50 am
very nice Joe
March 24th, 2026 at 11:54 am
Love LVD. I have mixed emotions, hate to see him leave but also didn’t want to see him as a shell of his former self. He grabbed the torch from Brooks, who’s going to be the next great Bucs LB? The bar has been set tremendously high.
March 24th, 2026 at 11:54 am
Really going to miss you, Lavonte David. One of the best!
Also: I predict he plays another game for use down the road.
March 24th, 2026 at 11:55 am
Legend Lavonte David
March 24th, 2026 at 11:56 am
Would it surprise anyone if he took a year off and felt like he still had something left? But, Lavonte seems like family was more important than squeezing another year out.
Great career and glad he was able to tie Derrick Brooks record. Two great Bucs LBs.
It’s time to work on that HOF pitch for Lavonte.
March 24th, 2026 at 11:59 am
Marine, much of what you wrote maybe true, but now wasn’t the time to say it. Try having some class for a change.
March 24th, 2026 at 11:59 am
Glad he is retiring as none of the want to witness more of the slowed down version. A true legend and one of the greatest Bucs of all time.
Congrats LVD – and thank you Sir!
March 24th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
@ Lakeland
“We have to give Dominik lots of credit”
For this one move I will give Dominik credit…
But you also have to give Dominik full credit for destroying the Bucs for a decade with all the other horrid and dunder-headed moves that haunted this franchise until TB12 arrived.
Seriously – Domink was one of the worst GMs in NFL history.
Before you debate – please tell me why he has never ever had another job in the NFL since he was FIRED and booted from One Buc Palace…
March 24th, 2026 at 12:01 pm
Sad day in Tampa Bay
Thank you for everything #54
March 24th, 2026 at 12:01 pm
Congratulations Lavonte. Gonna miss you. A true Bucs icon. God bless you and your family.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:02 pm
His ministry is going to be awesome
March 24th, 2026 at 12:02 pm
I think everyone already knowns the answer but I think its worth debating, best Buc LB of all time? David or Brooks? would it be the same answer if somehow David goes into the hall?
March 24th, 2026 at 12:02 pm
Yeah I figured he was probably leaning more towards retiring. He’s starting to slow down.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:03 pm
Congrats on the retire Lavonte David. Looking forward to seeing him in the Bucs Ring of Honor, and Hopefully in the NFL HOF next!
March 24th, 2026 at 12:03 pm
@ Bosch
I’m just glad he is gone and we don’t need to keep wasting cap dollars on players who are long past their prime.
Our GM is finally on the hot seat after catering to these fossils and wasting cap and roster spots on these old over-paid artifacts…
March 24th, 2026 at 12:04 pm
Thanks for the memories 54 and for representing our team so well for so long. You were HIM and I remember feeling this way when Ronde retired as well, one of the greatest not only on Bucs to ever lace em up but NFL as well. Salute to you!
This is just my opinion, but if 13 was still here LVD would probably run it back.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:04 pm
He is still every but as good as the linebackers we have now. Time will prove me right. Thank you Lavonte, you gave us your all and you are a man of your word. Peace and love moving forward.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:04 pm
Lavonte is a SB winner, HoFer, Bucs Icon, and a true leader.
Hate to lose a guy like that, but time is undefeated.
Wish him the best. Thanks for everything.
*sidenote, not a “Licht” guy.
A True Champion
March 24th, 2026 at 12:04 pm
Thanks 54, you were one of our greatest LBs.
Enjoy your new life.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:05 pm
I alternate LVDs jersey with DB55 on gamedays. My first one got wore out. Will miss him on Sundays.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:06 pm
@Marine
You didn’t have to sugar coat it. Lol. We’re going to have to live with Chris though. JL has his cap # outlandish for 2 years. You’ll never get accused of being too sentimental.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:07 pm
One of the greatest to ever suit up in a buc uniform. Wire to wire all representing the pewter and red amazing player and from what I heard and red about him an even more amazing person. It’s been a pleasure to watch you as a fan your entire career sir. Thanks for the years of entertainment
March 24th, 2026 at 12:10 pm
My favorite Bucs player past 14 years
March 24th, 2026 at 12:10 pm
Total Legend
March 24th, 2026 at 12:11 pm
@ BadBucs
LOL!
Sentimental ain’t my style…
I’m just like a successful NFL franchise.
What have you done for me lately?
Paying over $10M for one of the worst starting ILBs in the league is not doing anything for me…
You dig?
March 24th, 2026 at 12:11 pm
Thank you Mr. David – loved watching you play. A true pro on and off the field.
May blessings follow you the rest of your days, sir!
March 24th, 2026 at 12:11 pm
Bucs would not have won that Super Bowl without him
March 24th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
Marine Buc what a doosh…bag. Classless. It will happen to you one day, if it hasn’t already. Time catches up with everyone.
Lavonte deserves all respect, thanks and praise for all he did as a player and human being.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:16 pm
Well MarineBuc you are just a little ray of positivity. Sounds line you used to be a Jets fan smh
March 24th, 2026 at 12:18 pm
#54 class act always approached the game the right way man sad day but proud of him
March 24th, 2026 at 12:20 pm
Hate to see you go but love to watch you leave? Lol thanks for all the memories David you were a legendary buccaneer even if you decided to play somewhere else you were a still a stud, weirdos.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:20 pm
Two all time bucs gone this off-season… will Miss both but ty for the memories
March 24th, 2026 at 12:21 pm
Alright Ira, you’ve got 5 years to work on your HOF speech!
March 24th, 2026 at 12:24 pm
Marine Buc,
I call it as l see it, not like l want it to be
Dominik deserves credit for trading up to draft LVD
I didn’t give him credit for being a successful GM
The only Buc GM l would give that much credit
Is Rich McKay
March 24th, 2026 at 12:24 pm
Hope this is on the buc network
March 24th, 2026 at 12:24 pm
THANK YOU LAVONTE! THANKS FOR ALL THE MEMORIES, BLOOD, SWEAT AND TEARS! YOU ARE LOVED!
-DAVID
March 24th, 2026 at 12:25 pm
LVD=HOF!!!!
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING LVD!!!!!!
GO BUCS!!!!
March 24th, 2026 at 12:27 pm
He will end retirement mid season and will ask to play again. Mark my words
March 24th, 2026 at 12:27 pm
An absolute warrior and a Buc through and through. He played on some awful teams, helped lead this team to greatness and will walk away one of our Ring of honor members. I hope he gets in the HOF one day. Annually underrated by everyone outside Tampa, he is a team legend. Congrats and wishing you a happy, healthy retirement 5-4
March 24th, 2026 at 12:28 pm
Would he like to return as our LB assistant coach? Who better to learn from than one of the GOATS at the position.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:29 pm
Congratulations on a great career and will see you in the HOF your one of the best! You will go down in history enjoy your family and the good years. We all understand and appreciate you! Ps we get it nobody wants to play for this fat frog and garbage D best wishes for all your future endeavors!!!
March 24th, 2026 at 12:29 pm
Ring of Honor, this year
March 24th, 2026 at 12:29 pm
Special advisor to the defense in the horizon? Keep him in the building
March 24th, 2026 at 12:29 pm
Enjoy a well deserved year off then seriously consider coaching. Your leadership would do wonders to build a defense.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:30 pm
Thanks for the great memories, LVD! You are a warrior! We’ll see you in the HOF soon!
March 24th, 2026 at 12:34 pm
Sad to see him go.
Great players, whatever the sport that choose to walk away have the inner strength that most of us wish we had.
He’ll always be remembered as one of the greatest Bucs players.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:37 pm
Serious question – does the NFL allow players to use walkers like my grandma uses?
If so – LVD should have kept playing…
LOL!!!!!
March 24th, 2026 at 12:39 pm
Now I hope we do trade down and draft BOTH Hill Jr. and Rodriguez.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:41 pm
LVD you are a Football Playing Dude of the very highest order. I have a home and away jersey with your name/number and I’ll wear them proudly and frequently! I’ll sorely miss watching you play for the Bucs. I also hope your future is coaching. Thanks Lavonte!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 24th, 2026 at 12:41 pm
An incredible player. So sad to lose him and Evans in the same off-season. Just soul crushing… we need to start making some huge splashes to get team morale back up.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:45 pm
Great move by Dum-o-nick for David. Earned his name for NOT drafting Kueckly 1st in the same draft. Imagine THAT LB duo
March 24th, 2026 at 12:45 pm
LVD THE GREAT!
Talented, dedicated, high IQ, modest and professional.
Great career. Great Buc.
I got him at #5 all time: Brooks, Evans, Sapp, Barber, LVD
March 24th, 2026 at 12:45 pm
Lavonte we will miss you. Thanks for all the great memories
March 24th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
Thanks for everything LVD. A true class act, you’ll be missed. I’m glad you can walk away with your body and mind intact.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
“…and happy that he walked the walk after saying he wanted to be a Buc for Life.”
Enough said!
Hope to see him being represented by the Sage 5 years from now.
Thanks Lavonte!
Go Bucs
March 24th, 2026 at 12:46 pm
Thanks Lavonte for playing your heart out your entire career in Tampa. Good luck on your next venture in life.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:48 pm
A true legend and hall of famer. Thank you, Lavonte for the 15 years of excellence. I never thought I’d see another LB that would be comparable to Derrick Brooks. Cheers, enjoy retirement, and can’t wait for Ira to get you inducted into Canton in the next 5-6 years. You’re a true beast and watching you play defense sparked so much joy.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:56 pm
Next stop, Canton. Thanks for pouring your heart and soul into the Bucs.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
A true legend going out on top and with class. More than I can say about ME13.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
Derrick Brooks and LVD, best Buccaneer linebackers in franchise history. And both in/will be in Canton. God speed.
March 24th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
King David
March 24th, 2026 at 12:59 pm
He shut down Travis Kelce in the Super Bowl.
Shout out to Joe as well.
You were calling for the Bucs to draft him.
I haven’t missed one game since Lavonte David was drafted. While livestreaming from abroad.
Lavonte Inspired me these last 14 years to not give up in my own life. To work hard and always do my best.
As Lavonte said in his last locker room speech, “Love and fight fight fight!”
I also love that he will retire tied with Derrick Brooks in tackles?
How divine is that? If you don’t believe that’s à synchronicity, then you are nuts.
Thank you Derrick Brooks and Lavonte David for building a great culture in Tampa Bay.
I just wish 100% of our fans would also be great men like Brooks and David.
Go Bucs!
March 24th, 2026 at 1:00 pm
1st Ballot HOF
March 24th, 2026 at 1:12 pm
Thanks Lavonte David #54 Hall of Fame
It’s a Bucs life
March 24th, 2026 at 1:13 pm
M1K3 & now LVD, can we get some good news for a change! Like #6 not getting any extension or trading his sorry A$$, that would be Great!!!! Use #6 to trade up and get Styles, a way better player! We would have QB’s lining up to come to Tampa, get it done Licht……
March 24th, 2026 at 1:13 pm
Thank You David you are one of the bet who ever did it and in the MT Rushmore of Bucs Legends. Next to Brooks and Barber who only played for the Bucs and had a hall of fame career. Can’t wait to see you in Canton and your name up at Ray J
March 24th, 2026 at 1:14 pm
Lavonte made the right call. He is going out on his terms and with his head held high. Let’s hope the Bucs sign or draft one more linebacker.
March 24th, 2026 at 1:15 pm
Well-deserved and honorable reward for a loyal Buc’s warrior!
Congrats on your retirement Brother!
March 24th, 2026 at 1:29 pm
@Marine Buc
Classless…! Did your mommy dearest not teach you any better??? If you don’t have anything nice to say…
March 24th, 2026 at 1:32 pm
Hey Marine Buc
Hows your Farsi?
Asking for a friend.
March 24th, 2026 at 1:37 pm
Thank you LVD. One of the bright lights in such a dark decade of losing. Thank you.
March 24th, 2026 at 1:40 pm
Marine Buc is a total asshat! I hope that doesn’t hurt his fee-fee’s, but he is the one who needs to go.
March 24th, 2026 at 1:42 pm
Yes – we will miss you LVD…
The 80th ranked ILB the past two seasons.
Oh my – what will we ever do without you?
LOL!
Move on people. Nothing to see here…
March 24th, 2026 at 1:45 pm
@ Day-1
LOL!
I will never leave.
I will always be here to tell the truth no matter how bad it hurts your little fee-fees…
Good riddance to old, washed-up, $10M players with bad knees.
Adios – amigo.
March 24th, 2026 at 1:46 pm
I hope the Glazers announce they will be retiring his number at this press conference with the official ceremony happening at a later date.
March 24th, 2026 at 1:47 pm
NEXT!!!!
Bring on the future generation of healthy and youthful players that will ensure this team doesn’t collapse again in December…
This team was old, injured, over-paid and weak
March 24th, 2026 at 1:48 pm
The question is would LD have stayed if Bowles was gone this season? Thanks LD for all the memories and wish you nothing but the best. Happy retirement.
March 24th, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Mark Dominick was a horrible GM.
He did draft LVD, so credit where credit is due, but other thsn that, Dominick sucked.
March 24th, 2026 at 1:49 pm
Marine Buc,
The loss of David would be easier to take if Jason Licht was able to draft better LBs: Devin White- should still be a Buc if he wasn’t a knucklehead, and SirVocea Dennis- maybe a 5th rounder, but the way Licht thought, he’d be better. Ah well. Hoping we draft a solid guy to develop.
March 24th, 2026 at 1:50 pm
When is he eligible for the RoH?
March 24th, 2026 at 1:51 pm
Back on topic, goodbye to a class act and legend of a player. Glad you were able to realize it was time to hang them up.
Bucs are getting younger this off-season, which eventually needed to happen.
Will miss both Evans and LVD, but it was time for this franchise to move ahead and start building for the future.
March 24th, 2026 at 1:51 pm
It’s been real legend. You walk away a Super Bowl champion after leaving it all on the field.
March 24th, 2026 at 1:54 pm
I’m happy for him as a person that he can retire and be with his family
I’m not happy that I don’t get to watch my favorite player play anymore. Yes, he was slowing down but he was still a great leader and tackler.
I hope Anzelone can fill the void and bring a renewed energy to the defense
@Marine – Get over yourself. We all know he was not the same player and he clearly does too. No need to be a dbag about it
March 24th, 2026 at 1:55 pm
i loved the way Lavonte played, but he just doesn’t have the juice to get in the HoF.
Ronde barely got in and he redefined what a cornerback is in this league.
Lavonte was good in Tampa, just not Hof Good.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:01 pm
“When is he eligible for the RoH?”
As soon as he walks away from the podium
March 24th, 2026 at 2:02 pm
Thank you #54
March 24th, 2026 at 2:08 pm
Should be put in the Ring Of Honor at halftime of first home game
March 24th, 2026 at 2:11 pm
Hard to imagine the Bucs without Evans and David. Thank you LVD!!
March 24th, 2026 at 2:17 pm
Marine Buc, stay classy. I hope they speak as fondly of you when you retire. I’m sure they will.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:19 pm
@ FanofdaBucs
“Will miss both Evans and LVD, but it was time for this franchise to move ahead and start building for the future.”
This is all I am saying.
I will miss both Evans and LVD. I respect them and they ARE all time Buc and NFL greats…
HOWEVER – LVD should have retired last year and Evans is on the wrong side of 32 for a WR.
Case closed – I’m glad the Bucs continue to get younger and cheaper.
Sorry but the Bucs are in rebuild mode once again.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:19 pm
Did he talk with Mike Evans and realize the truth?
March 24th, 2026 at 2:20 pm
Class Act. Favorite D player in recent Bucs history.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:24 pm
Thanks for the memories, but it was time. Bucs got better today.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:25 pm
Love Ya LaVonte, Stay in Tampa, honorary mayor, never buy another dinner or drink and celebrate getting into the HOF when the time comes, soon!! Thanks for all the great years and enjoy the rest!!
March 24th, 2026 at 2:26 pm
A great player. Hof imo. Super bowl. Icon.
All you can do is be thankful we had him.
Best wishes. You will not be forgotten
March 24th, 2026 at 2:27 pm
@ SC Bucs Fan
“I hope they speak as fondly of you when you retire. I’m sure they will.”
I was lucky enough to retire early and enjoy the good life I have been gifted.
I am now a professional commenter on JBF…
March 24th, 2026 at 2:31 pm
Love LVD! What a career!
And…as a JBF fan, I’d like to give “one of the Joes” credit for telling us David was a Brooks clone during the fall of his last year of college. Great spot! And you did it again with Egbuka. Pretty cool!
March 24th, 2026 at 2:34 pm
Legendary. Thanks for the memories, Lavonte.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:34 pm
first Mike and now David The class and leadership of the bucs for the last 14 years now me
March 24th, 2026 at 2:35 pm
I enjoyed your years here LD54 🙂 Happy retirement time!
March 24th, 2026 at 2:38 pm
Don’t pay the classless trolls any mind.
LVD is the epitome of class and a true professional. Enjoy retirement.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:39 pm
Press conference was kinda wild when they asked him why he never left the Bucs and only played for one team. He responded with the relationships he built here he never saw him self leaving. Umm 🤔 makes you think about Evans and how he left when he could have finished his career here.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:43 pm
Lavonte David gave us everything he had for a super 14 years. We didn’t always surround him with the best talent or the best coaching, but LVD always gave us 100%.
Like happens with all the great players however, Father Time is undefeated. Far too many greats over the years stayed on too long, and it tarnished their legacy. Glad to see LVD voluntarily make this decision to retire, and I hope that in 5 years when he’s eligible for the HOF that he’s a shoo-in. not for us as fans of LVD to say though.
In any event, time for the Bucs to move on. Bringing in 2 hard-charging veteran ILBs … Anzalone & Rozeboom … in free agency is a good start, but it’s only a start. Bucs still need to draft at least 1, and preferably 2, high quality ILBs this year to set us up for the future.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:44 pm
HOF……Period!!!!
March 24th, 2026 at 2:45 pm
Thanks LVD.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:47 pm
Should be a 1st ballot HOFer if there’s any justice in this world.
Get it done Ira!
March 24th, 2026 at 2:47 pm
MarineBuc = D!ck
Some opinions are better left unsaid. Unfortunately, we get those types of opinions here frequently. Having class is not a prerequisite to being a football fan, just look at the city of Philadelphia.
LVD was still better than Dennis last season. Let’s hope our new hair band ILB duo brings the juice… and a rock hit single!
March 24th, 2026 at 2:48 pm
One of the greatest players of all time! Thank for over a decade of memories and moments. A true first class human and leader. Enjoy retirement you earned it.
There will be time to talk about how this affects our football team but for today lest just say thank you and celebrate what a hall of fame career he had.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:53 pm
If Patrick Willis can get in after 7 1/3 seasons in the NFL
Lavonte David should walk in on the first ballot
March 24th, 2026 at 2:54 pm
Never easy to see our great players retire or move on. Same as in the past with Brooks, Alstott and so on. I love watching the greats but I Love the Buccaneer football team more. Older players will and must move on for the health of the Buccaneers. Just a fact. Acknowledge their accomplishments and look to the future of the team.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:55 pm
Glad BA got him a ring before turning the team over to Mr Did Everything We Could.
March 24th, 2026 at 2:56 pm
Best of luck to you LVD in the next chapter of your life post-football. You may have made the costly mistake at the end of that Jets game in your rookie year, but I would imagine coach Schiano would be quite pleased on how well you kept your “toes on the line!” with both your mental attention to detail and giving as much effort as you physically could for the entirety of your pro football career. Glad you got your Super Bowl ring for being a part of that 2020 team with Brady, Gronk, Lenny, Mike and the rest of the guys that brought the Lombardi back to the Bay. May you get your bust in Canton as a Buccaneer as soon as you’re eligible.
March 24th, 2026 at 3:00 pm
HeavyE. “Use #6 to trade up and get Styles. A way better player. We would have QBs lining up to come to Tampa”. HahahaHeehaahaahaheeehehehe. Oh, oh, oh, hahahahahaheheheehahahaha. Oh, that’s a good one HeavyE. Hahahahaha.
March 24th, 2026 at 3:00 pm
Was kinda hoping with knee problems hopefully behind him he would act as a part time player/coach to teach the new guys Blows incredibly hard defense to master…and that he did! Enjoy ur retirement my man u earned it!