Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David has announced his retirement after 14 NFL seasons, all with Tampa Bay.
David, 36, was drafted in the second round out of Nebraska in 2012, and became an instant starter. He became a 12-year captain for the Buccaneers and was a top producer, finishing with 1,716 tackles in 215 career games — his 1,172 solo tackles was the most among active players and fourth all-time since it became an official statistic in 1994.
David had 42.5 sacks, 177 tackles for a loss, and 79 quarterback hits. He recorded 33 career forced fumbles (21 recoveries), 14 interceptions and 73 passes defensed.
He won a Super Bowl (LV) and despite just one career Pro Bowl selection and one First Team All-Pro honor (two Second Team), he was named to the NFL's All-2010's Team.
My take: One of the most consistent players I've ever seen. Super smart, could play inside or outside, and found ways to alter his game to maintain his productivity while he aged. A player that will make the Hall of Fame some day on a Veteran's ballot because his peers hold him in higher regard than contemporary Hall voters do.
THE ASYLUM
Bucs' David retires
Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David has announced his retirement after 14 NFL seasons, all with Tampa Bay.
David, 36, was drafted in the second round out of Nebraska in 2012, and became an instant starter. He became a 12-year captain for the Buccaneers and was a top producer, finishing with 1,716 tackles in 215 career games — his 1,172 solo tackles was the most among active players and fourth all-time since it became an official statistic in 1994.
David had 42.5 sacks, 177 tackles for a loss, and 79 quarterback hits. He recorded 33 career forced fumbles (21 recoveries), 14 interceptions and 73 passes defensed.
He won a Super Bowl (LV) and despite just one career Pro Bowl selection and one First Team All-Pro honor (two Second Team), he was named to the NFL's All-2010's Team.
My take: One of the most consistent players I've ever seen. Super smart, could play inside or outside, and found ways to alter his game to maintain his productivity while he aged. A player that will make the Hall of Fame some day on a Veteran's ballot because his peers hold him in higher regard than contemporary Hall voters do.
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