Bucs Linebacker Lavonte David Calls 2025 Season 'Embarrassing'

The Buccaneers collapsed down the stretch after a promising 6-2 start.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David recently reflected on the team's disappointing 2025 season, in which they went 2-7 down the stretch after starting 6-2 and failed to make the playoffs. David called the collapse "embarrassing" and said the team "kind of like shit the bed" despite having opportunities to clinch their division.

Why it matters

The Buccaneers were expected to contend for another NFC South title and playoff berth in 2025, but their late-season collapse raised questions about the team's leadership and ability to finish strong. As an impending free agent, David's critical comments also put the spotlight on the team's future direction.

The details

The Buccaneers started the 2025 season 6-2 through eight weeks, putting them in position to win their fifth straight NFC South division title and make the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. However, they then went just 2-7 the rest of the way, including losses to the Dolphins, Saints, and Panthers, and missed the postseason entirely.

  • Through 8 weeks, the Buccaneers were 6-2 and in control of the NFC South.
  • Over the final 9 games, the Buccaneers went just 2-7 and failed to make the playoffs.

The players

Lavonte David

A veteran linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who has been critical of the team's collapse in 2025.

Todd Bowles

The head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who will face pressure to get the team back on track in 2026 after their disappointing 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“To be honest with you, I think it's embarrassing. You know what I'm saying? We had ample amount of opportunities to be able to clinch our division. We lost to the Dolphins. We lost to the Saints. We lost to Carolina at their home. If we would have won one of those games, we would have made the playoffs, which is crazy and insane to think about. Like after all that, losing all those games, we still had an opportunity to make the playoffs.”

— Lavonte David, Linebacker (Caps Off podcast)

“We controlled our own destiny and we kind of like shit the bed.”

— Lavonte David, Linebacker (Caps Off podcast)

What’s next

The Buccaneers will look to rebound in 2026 and reclaim their spot atop the NFC South, with the pressure on head coach Todd Bowles to get the team back on track.

The takeaway

Lavonte David's critical comments highlight the Buccaneers' stunning collapse in 2025 after a promising start, raising questions about the team's leadership and ability to finish strong. As an impending free agent, David's future in Tampa Bay is uncertain, adding further uncertainty to the organization's direction.