Buccaneers HC Todd Bowles Praises Star LB Lavonte David After Playoff Loss

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David is receiving flowers from his head coach.

Jeremy Brener | Jan 14, 2025

Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David (54) celebrates after a stop during the fourth quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David just finished his 13th year with the team, which is no easy feat.

Even though he is getting up there in age, David still has impact for a Bucs defense that he has been apart of through the ups and downs. Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles commended David on his efforts throughout another successful season.

"He's been putting in a yeoman’s effort all year," Bowles said. "Obviously to play 13 years like that and lead the team and everything that he was doing mentally and physically, I'm sure there’s wear and tear on his body, but he’s never showed it and he’s never said anything about it. You couldn't have a better — we couldn't ask for a better year from him."

David, 34, started all 17 games for the Bucs this season, recording 122 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He is a free agent once again this offseason, which means he may have played his final down with the team, and if that's the case, someone will have enormous shoes to fill in the middle of the defense next year.

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Published Jan 14, 2025

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.