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NFL Legend Tom Brady Reacts to Retirement Announcement

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Mar 24, 2026 11:13 PM ET

Lavonte David is hanging up his cleats after 14 seasons in the NFL, all with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He joins an elite group of players who spent their entire professional careers with one team. His best year came in 2021, when he won the Super Bowl alongside legendary quarterback Tom Brady.

David's decision was announced through a “letter to the game” he shared in an Instagram post. He credited the team and its fans for the growth he experienced as both an athlete and a person.

An excerpt from the letter reads:

"The relationships I've built with you are ones I'll cherish forever. Being here showed me what really matters. No matter how tough things got, there was always something to look forward to, and that was the family atmosphere we shared."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David during warm upNathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Life after the NFL will be even more exciting for David. He shared on Tuesday that part of his reason for hanging it all up is his daughter.

“Having a girl helped me become a man, helped me understand what’s important in life.”

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David cannot contain his emotions when he spoke in front of reporters about his decision.

Lavonte David got very emotional talking about his late parents and how much they meant to him... Powerful stuff.

"Growing up where I grew up, it ain't easy. But they found a way for me. And you don't understand that until you get older and have kids of your own. The sacrifices… https://t.co/v1w1y7gGzF pic.twitter.com/RHulvKZVrm
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 24, 2026

David's dedication to his family and community is one of the reasons he is so admired by fans and the Tampa Bay community, something Brady attested to.

In a repost of an NFL Prime David tribute, the winningest NFL quarterback called the 36-year-old linebacker an “amazing teammate and friend.”

"I'm so proud of you. What a career. Truly one of a kind. ❤️❤️❤️," he wrote in the caption.

Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said David is undoubtedly one of the best Buccaneers ever, citing his contributions on and off the field. Fans regard him as a “Buccaneer for life.”

He made the First Team All-Pro in just his second season and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2015. He was also nominated for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award in 2020.

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

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