Lavonte David Inspired By Tristan Wirfs Contract
August 2nd, 2024
The numbers show Lavonte David has earned about $85 million through his NFL career. So he’s banked a lot more money than Bucs left tackle Tristan Wirfs.
David will earn another big contract this season and the Bucs just made Wirfs the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL.
One might say David has seen it all and is a grizzled and jaded 13-year NFL veteran. Nope, he’s not.
Joe asked David today if he’s inspired by the contract Wirfs just received, which will pay him north of $28 million per season — on the heels of Bucs safety Antoine Winfield Jr. being made the highest paid defensive back in the league.
“It does. It really does [inspire me,] man,” David said. “When I seen Tristan got his contract, I was so happy. I don’t think I’ve been happy for somebody to get, you know, [paid big] in a while.
“He’s one of those guys who just put his head down and just works. I love the way he works, loved the way he carries himself. He’s one of those guys — and I think because we’re the same zodiac sign, so me and him are similar people — but no, I was very happy, man. I came up to him, gave him a big hug and told him, ‘Congratulations, [he] was well worth it. And I told everybody, ‘If Tristan’s happy, everbody’s happy. So I’m glad [the front office] got it done.”
Cool stuff from David, and Joe was intrigued to hear David say he was happier for Wirfs than other guys who have gotten big contracts.
Wirfs is a special dude, hopefully for Bucs fans, one that can at least play through his new five-year contract.
August 2nd, 2024 at 12:22 pm
gotta tell us what zodiac sign haha
August 2nd, 2024 at 12:58 pm
Aquarius, fyi
August 2nd, 2024 at 2:32 pm
HOFer right there, but might need to play a couple more years to get his tackle numbers high enough on the all time list to make the national media respect him more.
August 2nd, 2024 at 2:37 pm
Both LVD and wirfs are special. Wirfs might be the 2nd drafted offensive buc to be a hall of famer. ME13 is the 1st of course. I do mean players we have drafted and got more than 1 contracts and who have stayed their whole career with us. I know Doug Williams was drafted by Tampa and he was great but didn’t stay with us
August 2nd, 2024 at 2:43 pm
The new contract for Wirfs should also inspire his OL team mates to emulate Wirfs.
August 2nd, 2024 at 3:03 pm
David is 11th all time on tackles, right behind Barber. Each has one SB. Each played with one team. 72 more gets him to Top 5.
Why is David not as highly regarded as Barber? He’s not a twin. He’s a guy who never stirs controversy.
Ira, start working the media.
August 3rd, 2024 at 5:30 pm
David’s numbers are equal to if not better than any of his “contemporaries” (Wagner, Kuechly, Bowman, Warner, etc), yet those guys get all the accolades while David has wallowed away on the Bucs. The lack of pro bowls and all pros for Lavonte is simply criminal.
It’s the same reason Mike Evans gets such little respect too.
Hopefully, the SB win helps with both their Canton prospects.