Home Lavonte David Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David announces retirement after 14 seasons

A Look at Upcoming Innovations in Electric and Autonomous Vehicles

25/03/2026

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David announces retirement after 14 seasons

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement on Tuesday at a press conference.

David, who turns 36 on January 23, spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Buccaneers after being selected in the second round, 58th overall, of the 2012 NFL Draft out of the University of Nebraska.[1][2] He was the team's longest-tenured player and served as a captain for 12 seasons.[3]

David was a defensive leader on the Buccaneers' Super Bowl LV-winning team that defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 31-9 on February 7, 2021, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.[4]

During his career, David earned one Pro Bowl selection in 2023, one first-team All-Pro nod in 2020 and two second-team All-Pro honors in 2016 and 2021.[1] He holds the Buccaneers' franchise record for career tackles, having surpassed Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks' previous mark of 1,301 in 2023.[5] David also ranks third in franchise history in games played with 205 entering his final 2025 season, behind Brooks (224) and Hall of Famer Rondé Barber (241).[1]

Since entering the league in 2012, David leads the NFL in solo tackles.[6]

Reflecting on his career, David said: "I just want to start off by saying, man, ‘God is amazing.’ 14 years of football, to come to this moment, I never thought I’d be in this situation. I never thought I’d be here."

David grew emotional discussing his late parents. His mother died in 2016, after which he contemplated quitting football.[7] His father passed away in March 2021, shortly after the Super Bowl victory.[8]

"Growing up where I grew up, it ain’t easy ... the sacrifices they made for you," David said.