Super Bowl champion with Bucs issues big statement about Baker Mayfield ahead of 2025 NFL Season

As they prepare for a new NFL season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will look to reclaim control of the NFC South. Backed by the great talent of Baker Mayfield, Todd Bowles’ squad aims to make a statement this season and capture another Super Bowl victory, just as they did a few years ago.

Lavonte David joined the Bucs in 2012, coming from Nebraska. Throughout his entire NFL career, he has played for Tampa Bay, and even had the privilege of becoming a Super Bowl champion on that team led by Tom Brady.

In a recent interview on the Rich Eisen Show, the veteran linebacker made it clear what Mayfield means to the team and how he helped him return to the Bucs, putting aside any thoughts of retirement from professional football.

“Baker as a guy, is a true leader, man.” Exclaimed David. “Just the way he plays the game, the way he carries himself off the field. Everybody in the locker room loves him…. We wanted him to be a part of our team and he’s taken over. He’s doing great, made the Pro-Bowl two years in a row and he’s going to keep doing it. Keep on excelling.”

Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts with Chase McLaughlin #4 and Lavonte David #54 after a field goal in the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Raymond James Stadium on October 27, 2024 in Tampa, Florida.

The important decision to return to Tampa

After thirteen years playing for the Buccaneers, Lavonte David began to contemplate his future in the league once last season ended. Retirement could have been a serious option, but he made the decision to return to Tampa and play at least one more year.

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“I just think the transparency between the organization and the players is really good. I’ve been blessed enough to be at this organization my whole career, so I don’t know what happens at other organizations, but from what I hear, you know, it’s not like that.”

His presence undoubtedly guarantees Todd Bowles an additional player with immense experience on the roster, someone who has a lot to contribute heading into the upcoming season. David also acknowledged the influence Mayfield had in helping him ultimately decide not to retire.

“Baker reached out to me as well over the offseason. He knew I was contemplating retirement or coming back and he reached out and said he’d love to do it again with me one time — another time” the LB said. “The way the season ended last year, we weren’t happy about it. We felt like we could’ve gone further than we went. So you know, why not do it again?”