Lavonte David is one of the greatest players ever to wear a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform. The 14-year pro moved into a tie with Derrick Brooks on Tampa Bay’s all-time tackles list on Saturday, in what could have been his final NFL game. Amidst the retirement rumors, one former NFL linebacker had high praise for the Buccaneers’ one-time Pro Bowl linebacker.
Will Compton Praises Lavonte David Amidst Retirement Rumors
Former NFL linebacker and current host of Bussin’ with the Boys, Will Compton, went on a rant, saying David “will go down as the most underrated defensive player in NFL history,” rattling off some of his most impressive stats and accolades.
“He will go down as the most underrated player in NFL defensive history,” Compton said. “If he never gets in, this will be something that everybody argues for the rest of time, if Lavonte David should be in the Hall of Fame.”
In his 14-year NFL career, David was a one-time Pro Bowler and was named an All-Pro three times. He spent the entirety of his career in Tampa Bay and won a Super Bowl during the 202 NFL season.
David racked up 1,716 tackles (1,172 solo, 544 assists), 177 tackles for loss, 42.5 sacks, 73 pass deflections, 33 forced fumbles, 21 fumble recoveries, and 14 interceptions in his NFL career.
Lavonte David will go down as the most underrated defensive player in NFL history pic.twitter.com/DQrFRiziPn
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) January 7, 2026
In 2025, David ranked as the No. 51 linebacker in PFSN’s Linebacker Impact rankings (LBi) while playing in all 17 games. While the metrics weren’t as kind to David in 2025 as they had been in years past due to his age, he was still a productive player for a Buccaneers team that just missed the postseason.
He registered 114 tackles (61 solo, 53 assists), eight tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception in his age-35 season.
“Right now, I have no idea,” David said when he was asked if this would be his last season in the NFL, after the Buccaneers’ Week 18 win over the Carolina Panthers.
If this is the end for one of the NFL’s most consistent defensive players, it will be a huge loss for Tampa Bay, both on the field and in the locker room. David is a long-time team captain who serves as the quarterback of the defense on the field, as well as a leader in the locker room.
“I love this team. I love this organization, man. It’s been an incredible journey,” David told his teammates after the Week 18 win in a postgame speech that many believe could have been a retirement speech.
After being eliminated from playoff contention, the focus shifts to preparing for next year in Tampa Bay. David’s NFL future remains one of the biggest question marks the organization faces as it enters the offseason. As he mulls over a decision regarding his NFL future, the Buccaneers will be tasked with finalizing their coaching staff and getting ready for free agency and the NFL Draft.
