Tampa Bay Buccaneers great Lavonte David has retired from the NFL after 14 seasons with the team.
The Pro Bowl linebacker, who was a member of the Super Bowl-winning side spearheaded by Tom Brady in 2020, racked up 225 appearances over the course of his lengthy stint in Tampa.
David, 36, set franchise records for tackles for loss (177), forced fumbles (33) and fumble recoveries (21) during that time, while he also ranks first in solo tackles (1,171) since entering the NFL in 2012.
At the end of his 14th and final year, the Bucs announced their legendary player’s retirement in a heartfelt statement on Tuesday.
‘For the past 14 seasons, Lavonte David has personified what it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer,’ the Glazer family, which has owned the team since 1995, said in the statement.
‘He was a selfless leader both on and off the field, playing with passion and a genuine love for the game.
‘He leaves a legacy as a Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest players in franchise history, setting a standard that will continue to impact our organization for years to come.’
David is reportedly set to explain his decision at a news conference on Tuesday.
Buccaneers great Lavonte David has retired from the NFL after 14 seasons with the team
