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Maxx Crosby Reacts to Lavonte David’s Retirement Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Mohammad Asif Ansari | Last updated Mar 25, 2026 5:51 AM ET

A true hero of the defense is hanging up the cleats for good.

On Tuesday, #54 Lavonte David took to Instagram to post his official "Letter to the game," after he sat down for a press conference at the AdventHealth Training Center, to make it official: he is retiring after 14 seasons, all of them spent right here with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Fourteen seasons with one team? Fans don’t see that much anymore in this league.

David is finishing his career with 1,714 total tackles, which ties him with the great Derrick Brooks for the most in franchise history. He’s also the all-time leader for the Bucs in forced fumbles with 33 and fumble recoveries with 21. He’s one of only four players in NFL history to ever record at least 40 sacks, 30 forced fumbles, and 10 interceptions. That puts the Pro Bowler in a room with veterans like Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher.

Well, the Krewe is definitely feeling it, especially with wide receiver Mike Evans heading off to the San Francisco 49ers this month. Over on social media, edge rusher Maxx Crosby didn't mince words. He wrote in comments:

"Legend. Next Stop... Canton "

View this post on Instagram

Former teammates Devin White and Carlton Davis III were right there, too, calling him a legend and the greatest of all time.

“LEGEND 54 ,” White commented.

“GOAT,” Davis reacted.

Ex-Bucs star won the Super Bowl LV ring in 2021 to go with it all.

General Manager Jason Licht and the Glazer family both released statements:

“For the past 14 seasons, Lavonte David has personified what it means to be a Tampa Bay Buccaneer. He was a selfless leader both on and off the field, playing with passion and a genuine love for the game… We wish him well on his journey after football and look forward to honoring his Hall of Fame-worthy achievements in the near future.”

During his speech, David said he felt it was time to find a different path and just "be a dad to that amazing little girl over there".

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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