Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Presented by

Why I Raise the Flags: Inside Linebacker Lavonte David

Players are fans, too. Hear from some of your favorite players on their passion for the game, like veteran linebacker Lavonte David.

Dec 27, 2019 at 07:40 AM

NEW ORLEANS, LA - OCTOBER 06, 2019 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints at Mercedes Benz Superdome. The Buccaneers lost the game, 31-24. Photo By Mike Carlson/Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The First Wave

My earliest memory of football is back watching my cousins play. I remember we used to be in the yard playing around. They're older than me and they used to come get picked up for football practice and I used to get left hanging. I was too young to play, probably about four years old. Bunche Park Cowboys, I used to go to some of the games, too. The next year, I told my parents I wanted to play. They sat me down and said ok, you want to play? My brothers were playing. All my older cousins. Everybody was playing, so I said why not me? I ended up playing at the same park. It was fun. I didn't know what I was doing. Had number 65 and I played everything: linebacker, d-line, offensive line, fullback. One of the big ol' kids.

So, then my cousins and I left that park and we went to another one called Liberty City. From there on, I just loved playing football. Each year it got easier and more fun. I understood more and more. It just stuck with me and I've been playing ever since.

Planting the Flag

I think the game itself was just fun. Being able to compete and going against somebody and being able to just have some success doing what you love to do. Obviously then the friendships with people and getting cool with the popular kids and then you become one of the popular kids. The whole school dynamic. Going to elementary school, some of your friends like, "That's Lavonte, he plays for such and such." You get your popularity like that and then sometimes on Fridays, we'd wear our little league jerseys. Our 'pride sets.' It's like our gear. We wore it to school on Fridays and we'd have the game the next day. That's how you knew you were a football player and people started to pay attention. It was a cool process growing up playing football, seeing some of the people that you play with make it to the same level you're at. It's pretty cool.

Flying High

It's my job now but I'm still like a kid out there. Just being able to go out there and dominate my opponent, play the best that I can, understanding and knowing that I have guys counting on me. I understand I have guys counting on me to do what I do and come up every week and play the way I play. That's pretty cool. When you're little, you have a whole bunch of energy, nobody really has to feed off your energy. Now, you got some guys that look to you to get themselves going and it's pretty cool to see.

Latest Headlines

From Zero-Star Recruit to Bucs' Rookie Sensation, Yaya Diaby's Unorthodox Rise

Breakdown of Giants' Defensive Line, Potential Mike Evans Return, Run Game Ascension | Brianna's Blitz

Ahead of the Week 12 matchup with the New York Giants, Buccaneers' Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen dished on a variety of topics behind the podium

Buccaneers-Giants Injury Report Nov. 22: Tykee Smith Listed as Doubtful

A look at Friday's final injury report ahead of the Week 12 matchup

Week 12 Expert Picks: Buccaneers vs. Giants

The Buccaneers are favored on the road against New York, and a majority of experts believe that is the right call in Week 12

How to Watch: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New York Giants

The Buccaneers will take on the Giants in a Week 12 road trip

Mike Evans: "I Feel Really Good" | Updates

Keep informed with our daily updates: News, notes and more throughout the month of November

Mike Evans on His Return: Time to 'Hit Our Stride' | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver Mike Evans spoke to the media following Friday's Week 12 practice. WR Evans discussed not taking any day for granted and the importance of this stretch of the season.

Todd Bowles: "Be In The Moment' | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles spoke to the media following Friday's Week 12 practice. HC Bowles discussed who is questionable going to Week 12 in New York and taking care of business the rest of the way.

Behind the Buccaneers: Yaya Diaby Written Feature Trailer

Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby did not have a scholarship offer coming out of high school and took a gap year working as a wheelchair assistant at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. A behind-the-scenes look at his journey to the NFL's doorstep.

Bucs' Offense Still Looking for Best Personnel Groupings

OC Liam Coen and the Buccaneers' attack has had to adjust to injuries in recent weeks, and that has led to some shifts in how often certain personnel groupings are being utilized, and how effective they have been

Buccaneers-Giants Injury Report Nov. 21: McCollum and Smith Did Not Participate

A look at Thursday's injury report ahead of the Week 12 matchup

2024 Game Preview: Buccaneers-Giants, Week 12

With both teams coming off a bye week and facing potentially significant changes, the Bucs and Giants will square off in a game featuring the NFL's fifth-highest scoring offense and a defense that excels at getting to the quarterback

Go Cardinals and Cowboys! | A Week 12 Viewing Guide for Bucs Fans

The Bucs need to make up some ground in the NFC Wild Card race in case they ultimately can't catch the Falcons, and that means rooting for Dallas and Arizona, among some other teams…Suggestions for which teams Bucs fans should root for this weekend

Liam Coen: 'Guys Are Bought In' | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen spoke to the media following Thursday's Week 12 practice. OC Coen discussed the evolution of the Bucs' run game, the challenges the New York Giants' defense presents and the wide receivers continuing to step up.

Tristan Wirfs: The Team Is 'Ready To Play' vs. New York | Press Conferences

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tackle Tristan Wirfs spoke to the media following Thursday's Week 12 practice. T Wirfs discussed the Bucs' mindset going into the second half of the season and the balance of wanting to fight for the team vs. being smart.

Bucs Secondary Spotlight, Week 12 Matchup vs. Giants | Bucs Insider

Staff Writer/Reporter Brianna Dix and Senior Writer & Editor Scott Smith talk about all the latest Bucs news in this week's edition of Bucs Insider. The team discusses the moves made at the cornerback position during the Bye Week, the most valuable contributors of the Krewe and look ahead to an important Week 12 matchup vs. the New York Giants.

Baker Mayfield: Getting Mike Evans Back Would Be "Huge"

After missing three-and-a-half games, star WR Mike Evans has a chance to return to action this Sunday against the Giants, and QB Baker Mayfield says that would have an enormous impact on the Bucs' offense

Buccaneers-Giants Injury Report Nov. 20: Zyon McCollum Among Non-Participants

A look at Wednesday's injury report ahead of the Week 12 matchup

Buccaneers-Giants: Top Storylines & Key Matchups in Week 12

With both teams coming off a bye week, the Buccaneers are looking to get several key performers back in New Jersey on Sunday while the Giants will be turning to a new quarterback

The Bucs Head to the Big Apple For A Battle After The Bye | Salty Dogs

Jeff and Scott get the details on Ryan Miller's football journey, discuss Baker Mayfield's amazing stiff-arm play and take a look ahead at the Giants.

Tickets

Advertising