Gerald McCoy has a straightforward take on Lavonte David’s Hall of Fame prospects: just look at the numbers. Forget the politics of Pro Bowl selections-David only made it once, the same as Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders. McCoy argues that when David becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame in five years, voters should focus on his performance metrics.
“Look at what he’s done,” McCoy insists. “Super Bowl, multiple playoffs, tackles, takeaways-you name it.
He stayed out of trouble. Line up his stats with the greats, and you’ll see a Hall of Famer.”
McCoy’s point is clear. Had David not spent his career in Tampa Bay-a team that missed the playoffs for his first eight years-he might not have been so underrated. Let’s take McCoy’s advice and compare some numbers from Pro Football Reference:
- Player A: 1,361 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 22 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles, 16 fumble recoveries.
- Player B: 1,716 tackles, 42.5 sacks, 14 interceptions, 33 forced fumbles, 21 fumble recoveries.
- Player C: 2,059 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 31 interceptions, 19 forced fumbles, 20 fumble recoveries.
Player A is Brian Urlacher, a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2018, known for his coverage skills. Player C is Ray Lewis, also a first-ballot inductee in 2018, with 12 Pro Bowl selections and 10 All-Pro honors.
That leaves Player B as Lavonte David. He surpasses Urlacher in tackles and has more forced fumbles than both Urlacher and Lewis. David also boasts 177 career tackles for loss, ranking him fourth all-time in the NFL-a list dominated by defensive linemen and edge rushers.
David’s humility shines through when discussing his Hall of Fame chances. “I let my play do the talking,” he says.
“I love the game, and whatever comes with it, comes with it. If that includes the Hall of Fame, I’ll take it with a smile.”
David’s path won’t be easy. He’s unlikely to be a first-ballot inductee, and history shows how challenging it can be for Bucs players, with John Lynch and Ronde Barber both waiting multiple years for induction. However, David’s inclusion in the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2010s is a significant marker in his favor.
Media market size and team legacy often play a role in Hall of Fame selections, which might not work in David’s favor. His Pro Bowl snubs can be attributed to playing as an outside linebacker in a 4-3 defense, competing against 3-4 defensive ends with higher sack numbers.
The recent Hall of Fame induction of Luke Kuechly, who entered the NFL the same year as David, could help his case. Kuechly, despite a shorter career due to concussions, has accolades like Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
McCoy praises David’s preparation and football IQ, ranking him among the best minds in the game. “His process and performance on Sundays were incredible,” McCoy shares. “That’s why Aaron Donald, Aaron Rodgers, and Lavonte David are my favorite players.”
David’s career speaks for itself. When voters consider his legacy, they’ll see a player whose impact on the field was undeniable.