Overview
- Lavonte David, 36, announced his retirement Tuesday at the Buccaneers’ facility after 14 seasons and 215 games with Tampa Bay.
- David said he is ready to focus on being a father, closing a career marked by a Super Bowl LV win, multiple All-Pro honors, and 12 seasons as a team captain.
- Team statements from ownership and GM Jason Licht praised his legacy, noting he departs tied for the most tackles in franchise history and holding records in forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, and tackles for loss.
- The Buccaneers had signed veterans Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom earlier in March, signaling succession at linebacker after David played through a knee issue that needed weekly fluid drainage and arthroscopic surgery.
- With Mike Evans leaving in free agency and linebacker depth reshaped, attention shifts to draft plans, a likely Ring of Honor induction, and a Hall of Fame case that some outlets call probable and others view as a tougher bid.