Aging Buccaneers Leader Reveals Retirement Thinking
Lavonte David may be on his last legs in the NFL, but remains a key piece on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
When Lavonte David was first drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of the 2012 draft, the organization was in a state of upheaval.
Tampa Bay was coming off a four-win season that ended the Raheem Morris era after just three seasons. They were 10 years removed from their historic first Super Bowl. From then on, things weren't exactly easy for David either.
Tampa Bay did not reach the playoffs for another eight seasons. Along he way, though, David had become not just one of the best linebackers in the sport, but an All-Pro and Pro Bowl caliber leader in the organization.
Now at 35 years old, David's playing career is reaching the twilight run. He's played linebacker at a high level for 13 seasons, has won a Super Bowl, and has won four straight division titles.
The Nebraska product isn't ready to call it a career just yet, though.
"I always feel underrated when I'm out there," David said. "That's why I've gotta go out there and prove myself every time. Ever since I came in the league, I never cared about being talked about much. I just always wanted to play the game the right way — just the love of the game for me."
Tampa Bay has begun the process of finding replacements behind David to be prepared for when the veteran eventually calls it a career. The Buccaneers drafted Chris Braswell in the second round last season to bolster their linebacker core.
More will eventually follow.
David's career has made him one of the greatest Buccaneer players of all-time when he retires. The veteran isn't done yet, though.
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