Will Lavonte David Answer the Call of Retirement After a Tough Loss

TAMPA: So, Lavonte David just had a tough game, right? After the Bucs lost to Washington, he sat there in his uniform, staring at his locker. It was a moment, you know? His teammates were chatting, but he was deep in thought.

Eventually, he started to take off his jersey, and tight end Cade Otton helped him out. You could almost feel the question hanging in the air: Is this it for him?

David didn’t give a clear answer. He said he needs some time to chill and think about whether he wants to play another season. He’s not rushing into anything.

When asked if this was his last time in the locker room, he said he hadn’t really thought about it. He’s got a lot of memories there, but he’s not ready to say goodbye just yet.

It’s a big decision. He has to decide if he wants to keep playing, and the Bucs have to figure out if they want a 35-year-old linebacker on the team.

Looking at the stats, it seems like they’d want him back. He led the team in tackles and had a solid number of sacks. But there are signs that age is catching up with him. Pro Football Focus ranked him lower than before, especially in pass coverage.

But stats don’t tell the whole story. David’s leadership and accountability are huge for the team. Coach Todd Bowles called him a “coach on the field” and praised his ability to keep everyone in line.

Deciding when to retire is tough. Stay too long, and you risk injury. Leave too soon, and you might regret it. Some legendary linebackers retired early, while others played into their late 30s.

David might think about Derrick Brooks, who came back at 35 but had to deal with a decline in performance. David wants to avoid that situation.

He said he wants to go out on his own terms, leaving the game as an incredible player. No matter what he decides, his career has been impressive. Whether he plays another season or not, Lavonte David has made a mark on the Bucs that fans will remember.