Bucs' Lavonte David retiring after 14 seasons

Veteran linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement Tuesday, ending a 14-year career spent entirely with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"Lavonte's mark on our franchise could never be overstated," general manager Jason Licht said in a statement.

"For the entirety of his 14-year career, Lavonte set the standard for professionalism, leadership, and consistency. He embodies everything that it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, and he is undoubtedly one of the best players to ever put on this uniform."

David, a 12-time captain, posted 114 tackles, 3.5 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries over 17 games in 2025. A member of Tampa Bay's Super Bowl LV roster in 2020, the 36-year-old shares the franchise record for career tackles with Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks, each tallying 1,714, per Statspass.

David emerged as a consistent starter on defense after being drafted in the second round in 2012. He's one of just two players since 1994 to have recorded more than 1,500 tackles, 40 sacks, and 10 interceptions, according to team reporter Brianna Dix.

The Bucs appeared to be moving forward this offseason without David, who was an unrestricted free agent. Tampa Bay signed veterans Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom as potential starting options at inside linebackers.

David earned All-Big Ten honors during his collegiate career at Nebraska and was named the Big Ten linebacker of the year in 2011.

A first-team All-Pro selection in 2013, David also earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2015.