There has been no doubt that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have found plenty of success throughout the draft. Class after class, the Bucs have brought in rookies that produce and develop, buying into a team-first culture. Over the past decade, the Bucs lead the league with 1,873 games started by players they drafted in the first through fifth rounds. That kind of success rate is rarely seen in the NFL. It is all thanks to the evaluation system General Manager Jason Licht put in place.

The team identified the core traits they wanted every draft pick entering the building to possess, qualities that extended beyond on-field performance. They searched for accountability, competitiveness, confidence, passion and resiliency. They designated this process as “I Am That Man.” The poster child of that search and the blueprint they are looking to replicate regardless of position, is Lavonte David.

In the words of Licht, “When you need it the most, Lavonte never fails to show up.” David has done that throughout his whole career and it is his mindset that the Bucs continue to seek in their players.

This offseason, David signed another one-year contract with the Bucs, adding more to his legacy. As he prepares for his 14th season, let’s take a look at some of David’s best performances across his career. Although many performances could have made the list, we’ve narrowed it down to three.

Here are the three most memorable performances of David’s career —starting with No. 3.

3. January 9, 2021 | NFC Wild Card Week 2020-2021 Playoffs @ WAS | Tampa Bay 31, Washington 23

Stat Line: 9 tackles, 1.0 sack, 1 TFL, 1 PD

After 4,752 days, the Buccaneers did it; they found themselves back in the playoffs. Their last appearance came in the Wild Card round of the 2007 NFL season, now ready to reintroduce themselves to the playoff landscape.

With Tom Brady leading the offense and Lavonte David anchoring the defense, the Bucs traveled to the nation’s capital to face the NFC East champions, the Washington Football Team. It took nine seasons for David to play in his first playoff game and he was ready for the moment.

In the game, David tied for the team lead with nine tackles. He was instrumental in holding Washington to one touchdown after the first half. Washington was able to make it a game in the second half, but David answered the call again. On third-and-10 late in the fourth quarter, David brought down Taylor Heinicke for an 11-yard loss when the game was on the line. At the time, Washington was only down eight points and was driving to tie the game. David’s sack put Washington in a fourth-and-21 scenario where they could not convert. Brady and the Bucs got the ball back and knelt in victory formation. Three games later, Tampa Bay would go on to win Super Bowl LV.

2. September 29, 2024 | Week 4 2024 vs. PHI | Tampa Bay 33, Philadelphia 16

Stat Line: 8 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 2 TFLs, 1 FF, 1 PD

After starting the season 2-0, the Buccaneers faltered against the Denver Broncos in Week Three. With the Philadelphia Eagles up next, Tampa Bay had to bounce back.

The year before, the Eagles got the best of the Bucs earlier in the season. Tampa did get the last laugh, eliminating Philadelphia in the Wild Card round. It was time to write another chapter in their storied rivalry.

Even in his 13th season, David proved he’s still got it—and then some.

On Philly’s first drive, David stuffed Saquon Barkley for no gain and made a tackle on Dallas Goedert on third down. The Buccaneers would build a 24-0 lead before the Eagles put their first points on the board. David added another third-down tackle before the end of the first half.

Late in the third quarter, Philadelphia was down two touchdowns and in the red zone. David blitzed on first-and-10 and met Barkley in the backfield. After shaking off Barkley, David realized that Jalen Hurts was still scanning the field. David lunged at Hurts from behind while the quarterback’s arm was in motion, knocking the ball loose. The Bucs fell on it, stopping Philly’s comeback attempt. David would add another sack in the fourth quarter, bringing down Hurts a second time.

1. November 22, 2015 | Week 11 2015 vs. PHI | Tampa Bay 45, Philadelphia 17

Stat Line: 6 tackles, 2 INTs, 1 TD, 2 PD

The offense was firing on all cylinders during this November day in Lincoln Financial Field. Jameis Winston tied a rookie record with five touchdown passes, Doug Martin delivered his second-best single-game performance with 235 rushing yards, and the Bucs posted their highest point total since the 2021 season. That might not have happened without David and the defense’s performance.

David had himself a game. His first interception came under a minute before halftime. The Eagles were driving to make it a one-score game and David stepped in front of a Mark Sanchez pass in the middle of the field to smother their momentum. His next interception came late in the fourth quarter, when he perfectly jumped a screen pass and returned it for the first touchdown of his career.

This was just the second-time in his tenure he picked off two passes in one game, with the first being in 2013. The Bucs improved to 5-5 on the season, and David was later named to the 2015 Pro Bowl.