Bucs fans are aware by now of the greatness that is inside linebacker Lavonte David. Little by little, the rest of the NFL world are beginning to understand it as well. It comes as no surprise that those who root for Tampa Bay and have seen Lavonte David play for the entirety of his career that David wound up on the NFL top 100 list that just came out — at 96.

He is one of ahead of Falcons wide receiver Drake London and one behind Eagles outside linebacker Josh Sweat. After coming in at 99 on the rankings a season ago, David moved up one spot. Despite only making one Pro Bowl in his career, this is the seventh time that Lavonte David is on the top 100 list in his career. David might get overlooked in some areas, but that is not the case when it comes his peers in the league who have seen his game.

Lavonte David Makes NFL’s Top 100 List Again

Here was the writeup about Lavonte David from NFL.com.

There’s little doubt he’s a Buccaneer for life at this point. David is a linebacking team legend, helping deliver five straight playoff runs after starting his career with eight misses. Whatever he’s lost in speed, he’s made up for with savvy, still proving to be a takeaway machine and cohesive leader. David, the NFL’s active leader in solo tackles (1,111), signed up to run it back once again in Tampa, where he’s set to hit 200 career starts a couple of weeks into his 14th season.

Bucs LB Lavonte David and Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

NFL Pro Insight for David: Lavonte David had 122 tackles and three forced fumbles in 2024, marking the fifth time in his career he has hit triple-digit tackles with at least three forced fumbles. No other player since 2000 has more than three such seasons.

Along with the praise of him, the NFL’s social media team also released a three minute video with David’s highlights from last season. This had some commentary from players around the league, including his teammate Tristan Wirfs, former teammate Jameis Winston and a division rival in Falcons running back Bijan Robinson.

Wirfs echoed many feelings that Bucs fans have felt for years.

“Lavonte David is so underrated. So slept on,” Wirfs said. “He’s seen it all. There’s nothing that tricks him. He should be here at the Pro Bowl. He should have quite a few Pro Bowls under his belt. ”

Bucs ILB Lavonte David and DT Logan Hall – Photo by: USA Today

The video closed out with more words from Wirfs that once again will be agreed on from Bucs fans.

“Lavonte’s incredible,” Wirfs said. “He’s going to wear the gold jacket. He has to.”

Check out the whole video by clicking this link.

Recognizing Lavonte David’s Accomplishments

David will remain the longest-tenured player on the Bucs’ roster going into his 14th season in 2025going into his 14th season in 2025. He has long been considered one of the best linebackers of his generation from the 2010s that included Demario Davis, Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner.

As it currently stands, David outpaces the other three for their careers in tackles, forced fumbles and fumble recoveries. He trails only Davis in sacks and his 13 interceptions are tied with Wagner for second behind Kuechly.

Bucs ILB Lavonte David and 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Despite playing for five head coaches, David has remained a constant on defense. David has a legacy with the Bucs that includes him being ‘The Standard’ the team looks for in every player they bring into the building. General manager Jason Licht has described him as such.

Year-in, year-out, he has brought a workman-like presence, a quiet leadership and a level of play that challenged his teammates to match not just every game, but every practice. That shouldn’t change this season as he leads a group of inside linebackers that is also trying to usher in the next starter of the future with SirVocea Dennis while also working with a veteran group in Deion Jones and hometown friend Anthony Walker Jr.

Bucs ILB Lavonte David, DT Vita Vea, OLB Yaya Diaby and the Tampa Bay defense – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Further proving David is a one of kind despite being overlooked by other inside linebackers of his era, The 33rd team posted a stat that puts Lavonte David in his category of his own. He’s the only player since 2020 with over 500 tackles, over 50 tackles for loss and over 10 forced fumbles.

We’ll see if this ends up being David’s last year playing football depending on how it goes for him and the Bucs. What can be assured, though, is that no matter where he’s viewed around the league, nobody’s doing it better than number 54 on Tampa Bay.