Gerald McCoy On Being A “Brother” To Lavonte David
March 30th, 2026
Gerald McCoy describes his “little brother” relationship with Lavonte David.
Lavonte David’s retirement last week was touching in a lot of ways. There was David’s emotional stories of how his parents, who didn’t have much money, always found a way to help him chase his football dreams.
David’s day was also a celebration of David’s teammates, past and present, who showed up to recognize one of the greatest Bucs in history.
One such ex-teammate was six-time Pro Bowler and All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy.
“Lavonte is different,” GMC told Joe when Joe asked him to describe David. “He’s my little brother, man. When I think of Lavonte David I think of a brother, a younger sibling.
“Most parents raise you to protect your younger siblings and to look out for your little brother. And that’s what he has always meant to me.”
GMC was drafted in the first round two years prior to David. They were supposed to be sworn enemies. GMC was a Sooners star; David was a Cornhuskers standout. Oil and water aren’t supposed to mix. But the two became tight.
“I get a little sensitive with Lavonte because I take [the relationship] very personally,” GMC said. “To protect him. Because he’s my little brother.”
GMC’s words weren’t empty. When David announced his retirement last week, he gave GMC a special shoutout.
Back in 2016, David lost his mother to complications from diabetes. It hit David hard. So hard he admitted he wasn’t sure at the time if he wanted to continue with football.
It was GMC, David said, who helped him during the tough time. GMC felt the same heartache when he was a freshman at Oklahoma when his mother died of a brain aneurysm.
Had GMC not been there for David, who knows how David’s career may have ended? So in a way, Bucs fans should be thankful for GMC helping David through an awful time to continue to play football at a high level, eventually winning a ring with the Bucs and (hopefully) having a Hall of Fame career.
March 30th, 2026 at 8:11 am
GMC was a great player for us and I have no problem with him. I don’t understand those that do. I think it’s great that he’s back in town and considers himself a Buccaneer forever.
March 30th, 2026 at 8:23 am
Softy McCoy yet again gets mentioned on this site. Now all we need is another Mike Evans post and a LVD post and we will hit the trifecta. Never seen someone struggle so much for content as this Joe guy.
March 30th, 2026 at 8:33 am
Whatever Gerald says about Lavonte I’m with it, and look forward to GMC using his place in media to keep reminding people David is an HOFer until he’s inducted.
March 30th, 2026 at 9:56 am
I wonder what type of fans/people were the kind that would hate on a GMC. Awesome player and helluva dude and genuine to the core 🤔
March 30th, 2026 at 10:46 am
I often fell GMC is the abused Buc. He gets no credit. He was a standout year after year him and David when the Bucs were really pathetic. However, he got not credit and became unpopular for some reason. I never understood that. I am glad he remains a Bucs fan. He was a great player for the Bucs when the had very very few.
March 30th, 2026 at 11:17 am
Go root for your home team in carolina mclown f that guy
March 30th, 2026 at 11:33 am
Because — fair or unfair — he was the face of losing. Really bad losing.
GMC like to put himself out there as the face of the team. When you do that, you better hope you win because your face becomes synonymous with losing. This tag never got to Lavonte David because he did his best to stay in the shadows. GMC did not.
Also, many fans (Joe was a defender of GMC) hated GMC’s personality. He would occasionally spar with fans on Twitter. But mainly, GMC was not Warren Sapp and will never be Warren Sapp. And many fans could never except that and blamed GMC for not being angry like Sapp.
March 30th, 2026 at 11:57 am
Gerald may have been an overrated football player but he’s always been one hell of a decent human.
March 30th, 2026 at 12:29 pm
Wow I’m speechless, 3.28 said something reasonable. Atta Boy!!!