This offseason could see the end of several illustrious careers that took place with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. One of those on the list could be star linebacker and Super Bowl champion Lavonte David. Well, according to his former coach, David’s future in the league is not in doubt.
“But I think Lavonte probably is going to retire. I never count him out. He goes back every year and sees how he’s feeling. The guy is amazing. He just stays in great shape”, former Bucs head coach Bruce Arians said of David’s situation. After all, David just finished his 14th season in the league, and Father Time could be catching up to him.
The End of an Era in Tampa Bay
Lavonte David has certainly earned all the accolades that will come his way once he retires: a place in the Bucs’ Ring of Honor, and potentially a spot in the NFL’s Hall of Fame as well. Still, it hasn’t been the best of send offs for the linebacker, as it looked like his game slowed down significantly, as well as the Bucs’ overall momentum.
The Bucs had made the playoffs for five consecutive years before an 8-9 season record saw them miss out on a playoff spot.
With David’s retirement, this could leave the linebacker position as a huge question mark for the franchise moving forward. Should David hang up his cleats, the position will need to be addressed in some way, whether through free agency or the draft, but it still will sting for Bucs fans next year when one of the great players in franchise history may not be on the field.
As for David himself, after his final game, he certainly sounded as if he had played his last game in the NFL. “I’m not sure, man,” he said when asked if the Bucs Week 18 win over the Panthers was his last game. “I’ll pray about it. I’ll talk to my family about it, just do what I gotta do. I’m always praying about whatever God’s will is for me to let it be done. Whenever that opportunity comes or when that time comes you know I’ll be able to be straightforward and shoot straight and let you know, but right now I have no idea.”
A Legacy That Will Stand the Test of Time
Most importantly though, is the impact that David has had on the franchise. He is one of three players in NFL history since 1982, with 40+ sacks and 35+ takeaways. He also is sixth all time in tackles ever since the stat had been recorded. Him and Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks are tied for the most in franchise history.
No matter what happens, whether Bruce Arians is right or not, David has left a profound impact on one of the NFL’s most storied franchises. His appreciation for the fans and atmosphere they create will never go unappreciated:”I always want to go out there and just play my best for the fans. I’m not just out there just to be out there – I want to have an impact on the game. I want to make an impact – I want to make a lasting impact on fans and the younger fans who are watching.”.
In may ways, he has.
Bruce Arians Hints At Retirement for Bucs’ Star LB