For the former Nebraska Football linebacker Lavonte David, making plays, keeping his head down, and just going about his business is what allows him to best contribute to the total team defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And while individual stats as a linebacker of course help the team, his focus is on helping the defense unit improve each and every week so that they can help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win football games.
Former Nebraska Football player, Lavonte David eclipsed an impressive mark this past Sunday. Now a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, David has recorded at least 100 total tackles for the tenth time in his NFL career. His ironman ability to stay healthy, and dish out punishing hits to opposing players is a true testament to his preparation and passion for the game.
The twelve year Pro Big Red veteran is on an impressive run, playing an important piece in the Bucs defense. While they have surrendered a lot of yards, they are averaging a league low 20.8 points per game against. The former Nebraska Football linebacker had the following to say about the progress of the defense earlier in the year:
"We want to be a whole defense, we don't want to just dominate in certain categories, we want to dominate in all categories so we';ve got to try to put it all together and be better at everything."Lavonte David
True to his attack mindset from his Nebraska Football playing days, David not only set records during his stay in Lincoln, but is also on pace to accomplish even more as a pro.
Nebraska football pro achieving at the next level
Despite only playing two seasons for Nebraska Football, David is still in the top five in program history of tackles made during his tenure here at 285. In two separate playing years, he also has the most (152) and fifth most (133) tackles in a single season for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
Lavonte David (1,011) is 34 solo tackles away from eclipsing Buccaneer legend Ronde Barber (1,044) for 10th most tackles all-time
— Ashlie (@EMT_Ashlie) December 11, 2023
David is also 36 tackles away from eclipsing Bears legend Brian Urlacher (1,046) for 9th most tackles all-time
Get his HOF jacket ready. #GoBucs pic.twitter.com/gbdR12EVvZ
His ability to produce at the professional level continued, as he is not only a Tampa Bay Buccaneers leader, but is also knocking on the door of some other NFL tackling thresholds.
Among active players, he has the second most games with 12 plus tackles, behind Bobby Wagner. And, despite playing the linebacker position, and not starting near the line of scrimmage like some of his competing defensive counterparts, David has the fifth most tackles for loss among active players.
For his career, he is one of the few ex-Nebraska football players that has amassed over 900 solo tackles, and 1,300 combined tackles. With the pace he is on, it will not be surprising if Lavonte David is able to finish top ten all time in both categories.