Quick Takeaways From Lavonte David Press Conference
March 12th, 2021
Leader of the defense.
Bucs linebacker Lavonte David just finished a Zoom press conference for the local and national pen and mic club.
Joe jotted down some highlights:
* David hoped the cap money he and Tom Brady have saved the team allows Bucs shot-callers to keep the band together. “Hopefully, they all fall in line,” David joked. He specifically mentioned Bucs sack king Shaq Barrett as the first player he wants back (then listed just about every free agent).
* Gives a shoutout to Bucs legend Derrick Brooks. David said he wanted to follow in Brooks’ footsteps as an iconic Bucs linebacker. Feels he is getting there with a ring. Wants to leave a “positive impact” on younger linebackers, the team and the community like Brooks.
* David also said his goal is to be in the Buccaneers Ring of Honor just like Brooks.
* David admitted he was looking around at other teams to find his best fit. But his goal was to stay with the Bucs.
* David did say that through the past year it seemed his representatives and the Bucs always had an open dialogue about contract status. So there was never any angst or major bumps in the road in getting a deal done.
* Raved about the camaraderie of the Bucs and loves the coaching staff. He said everyone seems to get along and everyone can relate. There’s a very good mix of older guys, “middle class” players and young players.
* When asked about all the national attention he and the Bucs are getting since the team signed Brady last spring and during and after the Super Bowl run, David, who is very uncomfortable about media attention (which likely cost him several Pro Bowls) said the new attention is no big deal for him. “It’s not going to change the way I go out there and dominate,” David said.
* David dodged the question about how long he will play, basically saying, you never know. “I am all about team.”
March 12th, 2021 at 12:15 pm
Leader of the defense … about time you got one right !
March 12th, 2021 at 12:26 pm
How can you not like players like Lavonte David, Ali Marpet, Devin White, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Vita Vea, Tristin Wirfs & Antoine Winfield…..these are all great Buc draft picks and great people…..
March 12th, 2021 at 12:26 pm
On a side note: Devin White is the most aggressive player I’ve seen since Hardy Nickerson
March 12th, 2021 at 12:31 pm
Stud
He will be in ring
Again his numbers will be very similar to brooks at the end
March 12th, 2021 at 12:34 pm
I love the guy but it was sad to read that he looked around at other teams. I have to say I am happy he is here and hope he retires as a Buccaneer. Notice the two homegrown players got contracts first. That is the way it should be. GO BUCS!!!!!
March 12th, 2021 at 12:44 pm
Who cares if he shopped around.
Smart move.
Glad we kept him.
March 12th, 2021 at 12:46 pm
You don’t think shaq is or has shop around ?
March 12th, 2021 at 1:17 pm
Nice to see LaVonte’s word’s. Hard to replace a guy that can cover in open space. 3/4 of the NFL teams don’t have a guy like him that can play linebacker and also cover. We are so lucky to keep him.
Let’s sign the other guys and keep the band together!
March 12th, 2021 at 1:48 pm
Incredibly happy the Bucs kept him! Class guy and structuring his contract to help the team to keep others. He personifies leadership on and off the field in every way.
Now get the 3 S’s signed: Shaq, Suh and Succop. That’s the base and everything is gravy after that.
March 12th, 2021 at 2:21 pm
David is one of a kind and I’m happy that he stayed.
March 12th, 2021 at 3:08 pm
The best thing about this team…. you really don’t have anyone that has put himself above the team. It just shows how close this team is and the team is more important then the person. I get they want to get paid, but it’s not out their so hard that it shows that person is a diva and could cause major issues. Really good to see in a time when everyone looks out for themselves.
March 12th, 2021 at 3:16 pm
This off season is going pretty damn good so far!
March 12th, 2021 at 3:47 pm
David is just about up there with Brooks imo. He’ll get there. Absolute beast for the Bucs for almost a decade.
March 12th, 2021 at 8:29 pm
Lavonte David is one classy man. Its great to see so many Bucs with amazing character.
March 12th, 2021 at 9:26 pm
No hurt here with shopping around. In his position you should. To him and others of Course you have to look at the business side and I am pumped he chose to remain a Buc and ride this window of opportunity!
March 12th, 2021 at 10:00 pm
Buc for Life. Like 55. This is a great tribute to him and brilliance by the Glazer family. When you have a man like this in your community, it makes it better. This is not only about football.
March 13th, 2021 at 9:44 am
“David also said his goal is to be in the Buccaneers Ring of Honor just like Brooks.” That’s a lock. DONE. Especially with this move.