Lavonte David is now an ex-football player.
The 36-year-old Tampa Bay Buccaneers legend announced his retirement on Tuesday after 14 seasons in the NFL.
“For the past 14 seasons, Lavonte David has personified what it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer,” the Glazer Family, the owners of the team, said in a 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.”
A native of Miami, David was originally taken with the 58th overall selection of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Nebraska. He went on to appear in 215 games, recording 1,716 tackles, 14 interceptions and 42.5 sacks.
“Before I came to the Buccaneers, I always had immense respect for Lavonte as a special football player,” Bucs head coach Todd Bowles said. “Having had the fortune to coach him for the last seven seasons, I have also experienced the special person and leader he is. He has been the heart and soul of our defence and a Super Bowl champion on the way to being an eventual Hall of Famer. There isn’t anyone more respected by his teammates, and that respect extends to his peers and opposing coaches throughout the league. I, as well as everyone in this organization, will miss him tremendously.”
David had six tackles and two passes defended in the Bucs’ 31-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.