When one Hall of Fame linebacker commends someone who could one day join him, that is a big honor. Especially when both have played for the same franchise throughout their illustrious careers. So when Derrick Brooks was asked to weigh in on Lavonte David’s career after his retirement earlier this month, he was effusive in his praise.
When it comes to Bucs linebackers, you could almost certainly say that Derrick Brooks ranks above them all. However, now that David has retired, you could say that he has either usurped Brooks for that honor, or is a close second. When looking at David’s career stats, you cannot say that his case for Canton is not set in stone.
A Legacy Defined by Consistency and Character
He retires as the Bucs’ all time leader in forced fumbles and fumble recoveries, and leads the Bucs in terms of total tackles. In fact, his legend reaches so far beyond just the Bucs, but since tackles became an official stat, he, along with Ray Lewis, are the only two players to have logged 1,500 tackles, 40 sacks, and 10 interceptions.
Therefore, it is no wonder that Derrick Brooks has such great fondness for his fellow Buccaneer. “His legacy is one that’s going to be celebrated. I can’t overstate this word with him — you saw the consistency of his career. You saw him show up and show out, ” Brooks said of David’s legacy. “You never had any negative headlines about Lavonte David. He carried himself the right way off the field.”
For many it’s not a matter of if, but whenDavid will join many of his peers amongst the Buccaneers’ Ring of Honor and eventually, in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where his name will be cemented forever as one of the true greats of the footballing world.
From Franchise Great to Future Hall of Famer
The fact that Brooks not only mentioned David as a player, but as a person speaks to the outreach of David’s impact on the team he played for and the community he impacted. To be able to continue the legacy that Brooks and the early ’00s Bucs and be able to replicate their on-field prowess as well just adds to the stunning background that David has.
“He was just a silent leader who led by example. But I was glad that the world had a chance to see the man that he is when he talked about his daughter and his family and again. I look forward to sharing a space with him post-career in Canton, Ohio. I think his career deserves it”, Brooks said.
A bust in Canton would seem most apt for a player that has embodied the Bucs no matter what. Whether it be the highs of winning the Super Bowl in 2020 or the lows of last season, when the Bucs blew the division and ultimately a shot at the playoffs, David was always the emotional leader that the Bucs needed.
From one former leader of the Bucs defense to the other, it probably means a lot.
Former Bucs Legend Weighs In on Lavonte David’s Career