TAMPA, FL — It’s been an eventful year for Lavonte David.

“Ah man I had a lot of ups and downs this offseason,” said David.

One of the ‘ups’ for the longest tenured Buccaneer came in February during his first ever trip to the playoffs.

“Winning the Super Bowl,” said David, who was featured by NFL Films as teammates and coaches took turns congratulating him on finally getting a title.

Another was a personal goal he had since leaving the University of Nebraska nearly ten years ago.

“Graduating college,” said David. “One of the biggest accomplishments I ever made in my life.”

David earned his degree in criminal justice in May. A promise fulfilled in honor of his late mother.

“Everything was so high and then, all of a sudden, life just turned around,” David said.

One month before Training Camp David lost his father, Edward Nelson, to liver cancer.

“He loved watching me play football,” said David. “He was there for me every step of the way since I was in little league; at every football game; at every practice.”

In every twist and turn of David’s football journey, dad was there. From being a JUCO player all the way to becoming a world champion.

“If you see the clip from the Super Bowl I was saying ‘where my daddy at?’” said David.  “I just wanted to enjoy that moment with him. He was telling me how proud of me he was, but at the same time I wanted to tell him I proud I am of him.”

Lavonte David is one of football’s good guys; and one of the Bucs’ most beloved players. His teammates had his back through that tough time, just like he’s been there for them as the captain of the defense.

“Just being the leader he was, he was going to come in here ready to work still and have guys follow,” said Bucs cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting. “He is a guy who doesn’t bring anything off the field, that he is dealing with, on the field. So, you get everything you get out of ‘Vonte each and every day. He doesn’t show when he is down, he is always in that right mindset, ready to get down and ready to work.”

Lavonte David wants to win another Super Bowl. He wants to add to his legacy as one of the best linebackers to ever play for the Bucs. Most of all, he wants to keep making his dad proud.

“The joy is coming out here knowing that he helped me get to this point,” said David. I know he is still watching me while he is upstairs in heaven.”