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After 14 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, legendary linebacker Lavonte David announced his retirement this offseason.
During his time with the Bucs, David played in an impressive 215 games and finished his career with a whopping 1,714 tackles. He is all but guaranteed a spot in the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.
When he retired in March, David believed it was the right time to walk away.
"Fourteen years of playing football, to come to this moment, I never thought I'd be in this situation," David said at his retirement news conference. "I never thought I'd be here. Growing up, playing the game of football at 6 years old, I always did it for the fun of it, did it for the love of it. Never cared about what came with it just because it was built in me a different way. ... My 14-year career has come to an end. I feel it's time to move on and find a different path. ... At the end of the day, I'll always be a Buccaneer. As always, it's Bucs for life."
Now, according to Grant Gordon of NFL.com, he's not so sure.
The main reason David is wondering if he should have played one more season is that he could have played with the Bucs' prized rookie Rueben Bain Jr., who has received nothing but praise since being drafted by Tampa.
David already had a relationship with Bain, as he told Kevin Clark of ESPN on This is Football.
"I knew Bain already. I reached out to him after he got drafted. He told me, man, like, 'Man, I wish you just waited one more year.' And, I was like in my mind like, 'Maybe I should have, but, you know, the deal is done already. I'm out, my guy.' But, I told him I'm 'definitely going to be there to be supporting him' and stuff like that."
While David isn't seriously contemplating coming out of retirement to play with Bain, he did express an interest in returning to the field in a different capacity.
Coaching.
"I'd consider it," he said.
David's interest in possibly having coaching as part of his future seems legitimate. However, it's not something he is going to jump into immediately.
That's because, if he does jump into it, he knows he will have to jump in all the way.
"If I get into it, I know I'm going be locked in," David said. "So, I may. It's something that I may do down the line, but right now I'm going to enjoy this retirement that I have."
There aren't too many people who would be better for Tampa's young defenders as a coach than Lavonte David. He is one of the best players to ever suit up for the Bucs, and the wisdom he could pass along to them would be invaluable.
Not only Bain but also second-round linebacker Josiah Trotter and fifth-round defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart could see their development skyrocket under David's tutelage.
Even the Bucs' veterans could learn a thing or two from David.
The thought of David joining the Bucs as a coach is very intriguing. He would have a lot to offer, still seems to love the game, and has a desire to be around it.
But, he should be able to enjoy a little retirement first.
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Continue reading...
During his time with the Bucs, David played in an impressive 215 games and finished his career with a whopping 1,714 tackles. He is all but guaranteed a spot in the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.
When he retired in March, David believed it was the right time to walk away.
"Fourteen years of playing football, to come to this moment, I never thought I'd be in this situation," David said at his retirement news conference. "I never thought I'd be here. Growing up, playing the game of football at 6 years old, I always did it for the fun of it, did it for the love of it. Never cared about what came with it just because it was built in me a different way. ... My 14-year career has come to an end. I feel it's time to move on and find a different path. ... At the end of the day, I'll always be a Buccaneer. As always, it's Bucs for life."
Now, according to Grant Gordon of NFL.com, he's not so sure.
The main reason David is wondering if he should have played one more season is that he could have played with the Bucs' prized rookie Rueben Bain Jr., who has received nothing but praise since being drafted by Tampa.
David already had a relationship with Bain, as he told Kevin Clark of ESPN on This is Football.
"I knew Bain already. I reached out to him after he got drafted. He told me, man, like, 'Man, I wish you just waited one more year.' And, I was like in my mind like, 'Maybe I should have, but, you know, the deal is done already. I'm out, my guy.' But, I told him I'm 'definitely going to be there to be supporting him' and stuff like that."
While David isn't seriously contemplating coming out of retirement to play with Bain, he did express an interest in returning to the field in a different capacity.
Coaching.
"I'd consider it," he said.
Is Coaching Really In David's Future?
David's interest in possibly having coaching as part of his future seems legitimate. However, it's not something he is going to jump into immediately.
That's because, if he does jump into it, he knows he will have to jump in all the way.
"If I get into it, I know I'm going be locked in," David said. "So, I may. It's something that I may do down the line, but right now I'm going to enjoy this retirement that I have."
Final Thoughts
There aren't too many people who would be better for Tampa's young defenders as a coach than Lavonte David. He is one of the best players to ever suit up for the Bucs, and the wisdom he could pass along to them would be invaluable.
Not only Bain but also second-round linebacker Josiah Trotter and fifth-round defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart could see their development skyrocket under David's tutelage.
Even the Bucs' veterans could learn a thing or two from David.
The thought of David joining the Bucs as a coach is very intriguing. He would have a lot to offer, still seems to love the game, and has a desire to be around it.
But, he should be able to enjoy a little retirement first.
Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It's free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
