Few linebackers can quietly dominate for over a decade, but Lavonte David has made a career out of it. As he heads into his 14th season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the numbers and respect keep piling up.
Analysts are pulling receipts, legends like J.J. Watt are chiming in, and fans are flooding social media to show love. If you needed a reminder of David’s consistency and clutch, look at what he did in his early years. From forcing turnovers to blowing up plays on third and fourth down, the man was a one-man wrecking crew.
At 34, he’s still starting every game, still piling up tackles, and still earning the right to wear that Bucs jersey. Now back on a one-year deal, David’s chasing one more big year — and maybe one last shot at the Hall of Fame.
J.J. Watt Was King, but so Was … Lavonte David?
Yes, Lavonte David, who’s heading into his 14th season as a linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Just check out what Schatz found.
Don’t just take his word for it. J.J. Watt co-signed with one of the all-time classic cliches.
Lavonte David criminally underrated. https://t.co/Nu4soHNfGv
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) April 7, 2025
For some perspective: When you combine turnovers, tackles for loss, and stops on third or fourth down, you’re looking at a substantial measure of a defender’s impact in clutch situations. These numbers are from 2013 and 2014, but David was a wrecking crew all by himself.
And fans are here for it.
“Our King @LavonteDavid54!!!” a Buccaneers fan replied.
Lavonte David from 2013-2014 was 1 man wrecking crew
— Creature (@Creaturefiendeo) April 7, 2025
David has been one of the league’s most durable and quietly elite players. His career totals: 1,602 tackles, 1,111 solo tackles, 19 fumble recoveries, 13 interceptions, and a Super Bowl ring.
And he deserves more recognition. David was a two-time All-America selection for the Nebraska Cornhuskers. His senior year was wild — 133 total tackles to lead the team, with 13 behind the line.
Tampa traded up to grab him in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft, and it paid off fast. David posted 139 combined tackles, 112 solo, two sacks, and a pick as a rookie. He finished fifth in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
His sophomore season? Even better. David put up 145 combined tackles, 101 solo, five interceptions, and seven sacks on his way to a first-team All-Pro nod. Across his career, he’s been named to three All-Pro teams and made one Pro Bowl.
Even now, David’s still one of the top off-ball linebackers in the game. He notched 122 tackles in 2024, starting all 17 games at age 34. He’s missed just 14 games across 13 seasons.
After weighing his options, the 11-time team captain re-signed with the Bucs on a one-year, $10 million deal with $9 million guaranteed.
David posted on Instagram, “I love the game to much to give it up just yet! Good lord blessing me with another opportunity so I figured I should take advantage of it! Tampa I’m not done yet! See you soon!”
With the ink dry on his deal, David’s back to work on what might be a Hall of Fame résumé.