Lavonte David Retires After 14 Seasons with Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement on Tuesday after 14 seasons in the NFL, all spent with the franchise that drafted him, marking the end of a career defined by leadership and defensive excellence.

David, 36, shared his decision during a news conference at the team's AdventHealth Training Center, following weeks of speculation fueled by the Buccaneers' recent signings of free agent linebackers Alex Anzalone and Christian Rozeboom. The veteran, who turned free agent after completing a one-year deal worth up to $10 million for the 2025 season, expressed satisfaction with his tenure. "It's time. I've been playing football since I was 6 years old. Thirty years straight of football," David told Sports Illustrated. "When it's time, when you know, you know. I always wanted to be a guy who wanted to retire on my own terms. Right now is the perfect opportunity for that."

Selected in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Nebraska, David quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Tampa Bay's defense. Over 215 regular-season games, he amassed 1,716 total tackles, including 1,172 solo stops, along with 42.5 sacks, 14 interceptions and 33...