Lavonte David Saw Warning Signs Before Antonio Brown's Jets Walkout

The former Buccaneers linebacker reveals the behind-the-scenes incidents that foreshadowed Brown's infamous sideline meltdown.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:05pm

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In a recent interview, former Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David opened up about the warning signs he witnessed leading up to Antonio Brown's infamous sideline walkout during a game against the New York Jets in January 2022. David recalled seeing Brown's frustration and erratic behavior in the days before the incident, which ultimately derailed the Buccaneers' chances of returning to the Super Bowl that season.

Why it matters

Brown's public controversies have long painted a picture of an unstable player, but David's firsthand accounts of the behind-the-scenes incidents provide a rare glimpse into the warning signs that preceded Brown's explosive exit from the NFL. This insight sheds light on the challenges teams face in managing volatile star players and the importance of addressing mental health concerns in professional sports.

The details

David, who spent 14 seasons with the Buccaneers, said he saw Brown's frustration building in the days leading up to the Jets game. He recalled an incident where Brown complained about not scoring a touchdown, despite having over 100 receiving yards. On another occasion, David was called in to help calm Brown down after the receiver went 'crazy' during a walk-through practice, 'sprinting, catching the ball, throwing it at people, cursing people out.'

  • On January 2, 2022, during a game against the New York Jets, Brown took off his jersey and gear and walked off the field in the third quarter.

The players

Lavonte David

A former linebacker who spent 14 seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, including two years playing alongside Antonio Brown.

Antonio Brown

A former NFL wide receiver who played for the Buccaneers in 2020 and 2021, known for his controversial and erratic behavior throughout his career.

Bruce Arians

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the time of Antonio Brown's sideline incident.

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What they’re saying

“I'll tell you this, bro, leading up to that, you saw it stirring up — you saw it brewing. He came in there one day, we were in the locker room just chilling, he came in there, and he was complaining about how he didn't score a touchdown. I'm like, 'Bro, you had over 100 yards. What are you talking about?' He's just like pi*** off. You can see he might snap soon.”

— Lavonte David, Former Buccaneers Linebacker

“[During the Jets incident] I wasn't surprised in a sense. But the way he did it during a game, I was like, 'Damn, AB, why are you doing that, man?' To be honest, AB kind of messed up our chances of going to a second Super Bowl.”

— Lavonte David, Former Buccaneers Linebacker

The takeaway

David's firsthand account of the warning signs leading up to Brown's infamous sideline walkout highlights the challenges teams face in managing volatile star players and the importance of addressing mental health concerns in professional sports. The incident ultimately derailed the Buccaneers' chances of returning to the Super Bowl, underscoring the impact that a player's off-field behavior can have on a team's performance and success.