Lavonte David has seen 12 previous versions of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's experienced 12 previous training camps and been immersed in 12 ever-evolving locker room cultures.
Number 13 is different.
After being drafted in the second round in 2012, David had to wait nine seasons before he tasted the playoffs. He has since helped his team win a Super Bowl followed by three consecutive division titles, so it's safe to say that the latter half of his career has been a lot more gratifying. That said, there's a chance that his 13th season will be the most enjoyable one yet, because team architects and team leaders have built a very tight-knit culture that is paying off both on and off the field.
Head Coach Todd Bowles recently suggested that this year's team has the best culture of any Buccaneers squad he's been associated with, and on Friday, David nodded his head in agreement with that sentiment. More so than any other player on the roster, he would know.
"I do agree," said David. "Outside of football, [there] are friendships that are built. In this game right here, as much as people go in and out, at the same time there have been great people that [are] coming in, so you want to build those type of relationships with those type of people. That's what we have. I feel like they've been drafting those type of people. With the type of people that we are getting, the relationships are going to last for a very long time outside of football."
That culture is one of the reasons that the confidence level regarding the Buccaneers' status as a true contender is much higher inside the building than across the football nation.
View photos of Tampa Bay Buccaneers players practicing at 2024 Training Camp on Friday, August 2nd, 2024 at AdventHealth Training Center.
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Football during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cleat during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Tight Ends Coach Justin Peelle of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Offensive Line Coach Kevin Carberry of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Tackle Luke Haggard #72 and Defensive Lineman Eric Banks #93 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Jay Person #44 and Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Fans watch during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Safety Marcus Banks #39, Wide Receiver Raleigh Webb #17, and Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Kristen Schweitzer during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Earl Chambers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Tanner Knue #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - General Manager Jason Licht during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Quarterback John Wolford #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Guard Cody Mauch #69 and Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Tackle Luke Haggard #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Tackle Brandon Walton #73 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Quarterback John Wolford #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Latreal Jones #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerbacks Coach Kevin Ross, Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 and Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Linebacker Kalen DeLoach #46 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Pass Game Coordinator/Inside Linebackers Coach Larry Foote of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Linebacker Kalen DeLoach #46 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerback Keenan Isaac #16 of the Tampa Bay Bucaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerback Tavierre Thomas #37 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 and Wide Receiver Tanner Knue #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 and Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 and Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 and Cornerback Keenan Isaac #16 of the Tampa Bay Bucaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Tanner Knue #80 and Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. #48 and Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. #48 and Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Quarterback John Wolford #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Guard Cody Mauch #69 and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Guard Cody Mauch #69 and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - August 02, 2024 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
"When you build those relationships outside of football, on the football field it makes everything go easier," David continued. "You know how to talk to somebody, and if you talk to somebody a different type of way, they won't take it as disrespect and they won't take it as criticism – it's just constructive criticism. That's the type of team we have. I think starting with Coach Bowles, those guys implemented that and it's trickling down to the leaders to be able to carry it out through the locker room. I think we've got a great group of guys, and a great group of young guys, too, as well, who just come in and work and want to be great, and at the same time be great people on and off the field."
The Buccaneers target a certain type of player in each year's draft (and the post-draft signing ability), which has led to a motto painted on their draft room wall: "I Am That Man." The motto is accompanied by a silhouette of an unlabeled player. General Manager Jason Licht has confirmed that David is the player in the silhouette. When the Bucs hit on those picks and develop good players and good leaders, they make it a priority to keep those people in the building. This helps forge that tight-knit culture as players see their hard work and loyalty rewarded.
The most recent example is All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs, who signed a new five-year extension on Thursday that makes him the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history. His teammates and coaches were jubilant when he took the field that morning. That followed an offseason in which the Bucs concentrated on their own free agents-to-be, successfully re-signing Mike Evans, Baker Mayfield, Antoine Winfield Jr., Chase McLaughlin and, of course, David himself. David agreed that it inspires him to see the team reward his teammates.
"It does, it really does," he said. "When I saw Tristan get his contract, I was so happy. I don't think I've been happier for somebody to get what they [deserve] in a while. He's one of those guys who just puts his head down and just works. I love the way he works. I love the way he carries himself. I think because we're the same Zodiac sign, me and him are similar people. I was very happy. I came up to him and gave him a big hug, told him congratulations. [The wait] was well worth it. I told everyone, 'If Tristan is happy, everybody is happy,' so I'm glad they got it done."
You don't get any points on the gameday scoreboard for your "culture," of course, and the Bucs know they haven't proved anything to the doubters with a good week of training camp in early August. Still, there is definitely a belief in the building that the way this team is built and the tight bond between its players will translate into good results on the field in 2024.
