David has had a difficult offseason

Mother still a motivating force for Bucs' Lavonte DavidGreg Auman, Times Staff WriterWednesday, April 20, 2016 12:54pmdavid042016_8col by anti java, on Flickr  "I have a good support system -- they kept me going, kept me up, kept my spirits high," Lavonte David said. "They reach out to me every day, see how I'm doing.LOREN ELLIOTT | Times Bucs linebacker Lavonte David has had a difficult offseason, losing a cousin this spring and then his mother, Lynette, last month, but he said Wednesday that she continues to be a driving force in his life, on and off the football field."Always. She's my pride and joy," David said Wednesday, speaking to reporters for the first time since her death at age 56 on March 29. "Anybody that knows me knows she's my pride and joy. She's going to be with me like she's always been. I talk to her every day. She's going to guide me through the rest of my life. I'm glad I could make her proud before she went away, but I'm going to continue to keep trying to make her proud."Lynette David was at One Buc Place last year when the Bucs announced a contract extension for her son, and he credited her with helping him stay focused and find success from his earliest levels of football to the sport's highest levels with Tampa Bay. His close friend and teammate, fellow linebacker Kwon Alexander, lost his brother during the season last year, so they have helped each other cope with their family losses. He's grateful to have friends and family to help him during a difficult time."I have a good support system -- they kept me going, kept me up, kept my spirits high," David said. "They reach out to me every day, see how I'm doing. So far, I'm doing good."Dates/times for Bucs' preseason games: at Eagles, 8/11, 7 p.m.; at Jaguars, 8/20, 7:30; home vs. Browns, 8/26, 8; vs. Redskins, 9/1, 7:30.New Bucs QB Dan LeFevour, signed as team's fourth QB on Tuesday, will wear jersey No. 6 for Tampa Bay.