A Rejuvenated Devin White is Embracing His Opportunity to Learn From The Best

Devin White had some high praise for his teammate and mentor, Lavonte David.

Collin Haalboom | Oct 11, 2023

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Despite some uncertainty surrounding his status following a trade request made in the offseason, Buccaneers’ inside linebacker, Devin White, appears to be revitalized this season. Being a key contributor to his team’s 3-1 record, and their current standing in the top position of the NFC South certainly helps.

Along with feeling rejuvenated amidst the Bucs’ early season success, it also appears as though Devin White is feeling a new level of appreciation. He’s made comments about how much fun he is having playing in Todd Bowles’ defense, about winning, and about being an underdog.

He even offered a public apology to the fans in Tampa a few weeks ago, stating, "I was stupid for trying to leave".

But one thing that Devin White also appreciates, apparently, is the opportunity to play alongside one of the greatest linebackers in the sport, Lavonte David.

Following Monday’s practice, White took some time to praise Lavonte David for his commitment to his craft, his energy, and for helping to show him the right way to approach his job each and every day.

When asked whether he is surprised by David’s production so far this season, despite his age, White offered the following response.

“It doesn’t amaze me because of the work that he puts in. He’s always telling me, ya I’ve just got one more year, I’m gonna play with you one more year. So then it’s like that ‘one more year’ keeps coming. It just makes me happy for my future, you know, knowing we’re similar players and the longevity that he’s had in this league, and at a high level, production-wise. I’m just feeding off his energy, and hopefully, he’s feeding off mine. I’m trying to squeeze as many years as I can because it’s always good having a great counter partner and I don’t think they get any better than Lavonte David.”

White also commented on how Lavonte David’s work habits have rubbed off on him, especially in terms of taking care of his body.

“He’s always one of the first ones in. I’ll be like ‘old man doing rehab’ and he’ll be like ‘nah i’m doing maintenance’. Obviously I'm in year five and I’m in there a lot more, you know, trying to get under his wing. At first, I’d just roll out of bed and go, but now I’m trying to be more humble with myself and knowing that one day you’re going to get older but if you do the little things right now, it will help you play in this league for a long time.”

With Lavonte David considering the possibility of retirement, and Devin White slated to become a free agent following this season, there is a strong possibility that this could be the last year we get to see the two players together in pewter and red.

For fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I think it would be wise to follow Devin White's lead, and really embrace the opportunity to watch this elite linebacker tandem in action... because it won't last forever.

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Published Oct 11, 2023

COLLIN HAALBOOM

Prior to joining BucsGameday and Sports Illustrated, Collin's written content was provided through Bucs Banter, and NFL Draft Lounge. He is also the creator and host of the Bucs Banter Podcast. He is a graduate of the Communication Studies program at McMaster University, where he was also a varsity basketball player, and later an advanced scout. He lives with his wife and two children in Hamilton, ON. You can follow Collin on YouTube and Twitter.