Lavonte David is hanging up his cleats after 14 seasons in the NFL, all with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He joins an elite group of players who spent their entire professional careers with one team. His best year came in 2021, when he won the Super Bowl alongside legendary quarterback Tom Brady.
David’s decision was announced through a “letter to the game” he shared in an Instagram post. He credited the team and its fans for the growth he experienced as both an athlete and a person.
Advertisement
An excerpt from the letter reads:
“The relationships I’ve built with you are ones I’ll cherish forever. Being here showed me what really matters. No matter how tough things got, there was always something to look forward to, and that was the family atmosphere we shared.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David during warm upNathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
(Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)
Life after the NFL will be even more exciting for David. He shared on Tuesday that part of his reason for hanging it all up is his daughter.
“Having a girl helped me become a man, helped me understand what’s important in life.”
Advertisement
David cannot contain his emotions when he spoke in front of reporters about his decision.
David’s dedication to his family and community is one of the reasons he is so admired by fans and the Tampa Bay community, something Brady attested to.
In a repost of an NFL Prime David tribute, the winningest NFL quarterback called the 36-year-old linebacker an “amazing teammate and friend.”
“I’m so proud of you. What a career. Truly one of a kind. ❤️❤️❤️,” he wrote in the caption.
Advertisement
Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said David is undoubtedly one of the best Buccaneers ever, citing his contributions on and off the field. Fans regard him as a “Buccaneer for life.”
He made the First Team All-Pro in just his second season and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015. He was also nominated for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award in 2020.
Related: Lavonte David Gets Emotional During NFL Retirement Announcement
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.