Mike Evans’ Decision To Leave Did Not Influence Lavonte David’s Retirement
March 24th, 2026
Lavonte David hangs with Donovan Smith and Tykee Smith today at One Buc Palace.
It had to be asked. Joe was glad to be able to squeeze in the final question Lavonte David ever took as a Bucs player in a sidebar with David this afternoon at One Buc Palace.
When Mike Evans decided to leave the Bucs and chase a ring with the 49ers, coupled with David’s retirement, many connected the dots: David called it quits, in part, because he sensed the Bucs were headed towards a rebuilding phase without Evans.
David said that is absolutely false.
David and Evans are tight. And David told Joe that Evans knew David was going to hang up his cleats before he made his decision to go to San Francisco.
If anything, it sounds like to Joe that David’s decision — though unknown to the public — could have influenced Evans.
David did say he knows for a fact Evans was torn up with his decision to leave the Bucs.
March 24th, 2026 at 4:21 pm
No need, 54 has had a great career! Always be grateful for who he is and what he’s done. Ride off into the sunset before it blows up even more around here!
March 24th, 2026 at 4:23 pm
The only thing Evans is gonna be torn up about is how dominated he gets by the Rams and Seahawks twice a year.
March 24th, 2026 at 4:50 pm
LVD great player
Will be missed
Enjoy Retirement
Thank you LVD
YOU DA MAN!!!
March 24th, 2026 at 4:53 pm
Sure it didn’t. Let’s face it, an 8-9 record is like a winning season for this coach. So Lavonte goes out a winner, adjusted for coaching.
March 24th, 2026 at 5:02 pm
Will really miss LVD, ME13 not so much now.
March 24th, 2026 at 5:06 pm
As Bob Hope would sing, thanks for the memories.
March 24th, 2026 at 5:09 pm
Donovan Smith is at One Buc for LVD?
I’m surprise GMC isn’t there. They are best friends. Probably meeting up in the islands afterwards.
March 24th, 2026 at 5:11 pm
No one wants to play with Baker.
March 24th, 2026 at 5:13 pm
I lost a lot of respect for ME13. Unfortunately, Mike might be chasing another ring but it’s not going to be with Brock Purdy. Mike had the same odds with Baker to win another Super bowl.
March 24th, 2026 at 5:37 pm
The contrast between Lavonte and Mike is loyalty to the organization that helped them achieve fame and fortune. Mike talked the talk, Lavonte walked the walk.
No shade on ME13’s elite career. It’s just the flat aftertaste he left the Buc’s faithful.
LVD’s character and loyalty will be always remembered and revered!
March 24th, 2026 at 5:42 pm
ME chasing that Gold Jacket
Lavonte has his in the bag
March 24th, 2026 at 5:46 pm
Not knocking Evans for leaving.
The blame falls on the ineptitude of the HC and the GM (3rd & 28, and 4th & 14) and the owners who gave them one more year to muck things up worse for the next guys.
March 24th, 2026 at 5:50 pm
Man you can’t play football for ever that’s why I don’t get all emotional about these players leaving to go play for another team or retiring. Move on people!!
March 24th, 2026 at 5:56 pm
Mod. 3rd and 28 don’t happen if Baker don’t throw a pick and miss Payne Durham wide open in the middle of the field. It’s crazy how you bucs fans act about Baker Mayfield and the excuses y’all give him . If Jamies was the quarterback that would have been his fault and I’ve seen y’all blame him for less lol 🤣🤣. I told y’all I was going to show y’all how bias most of y’all are. You guys antliezy players off of your emotions and how you feel about the players and not by what they do on the field.
March 24th, 2026 at 6:21 pm
Sucks to see Mike not there for this press conference…but I get it, he probably didn’t want to be a distraction on LVDs day. But boy, Mike has done a complete 180, middle finger to the sky to this organization. At first I was mainly mad at the organization, but as time passes, Mike is definitely getting more of the blame from me, and honestly, I want to see him flop in SF
March 24th, 2026 at 6:21 pm
OneilBuc: On the topic of bias — is there anything you credit Mayfield for?
March 24th, 2026 at 6:36 pm
I agree with lakeland, mike is chasing his jacket. Just like Emmit Smith leaving the cowboys chasing his records but just like Emmit will always be a cowboy, Tom Brady will always be a patriot, Joe Montana and Jerry Rice will always be 49’ers and Mike will always be a Buccaneer. This is where he developed the hall of fame career. Where his legendary career started and was sustained for 12 years and will always be his legacy just like the others.
Lavonte on the other hand gets to join the small proud group of lifelong bucs and he knows for sure he will be in the hall and is one of the franchises greatest of all time!
Its a sad day to know he won’t be on the field anymore but I think it was time, as he said what more does he have to prove? I for one have 3 LVD 54 Jersies that I will continue to wear on Sundays watching my bucs play because he is a franchise legend! The ME jersies tho, they will stay in the closet for now!
March 24th, 2026 at 6:41 pm
MF Bucs… you think that midget McDuffie is gonna slow Evans!? He better grow another 3-4 inches this offseason.
March 24th, 2026 at 7:00 pm
Ok and water isnt wet lmao….
March 24th, 2026 at 7:41 pm
I totally agree with Oneilbuc……..
March 24th, 2026 at 8:16 pm
Vaya con Dios, Lavonte!!
March 24th, 2026 at 9:14 pm
Another Evans post. Take a shot