Lavonte David enjoyed a prolific 14-year career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that will have him enshrined in the team’s Ring of Honor and potentially the Hall of Fame.
He’s one of the most statistically productive linebackers of all time, and commanded the respect of his opponents due to his playmaking ability and football IQ.
He played in 225 games throughout his career, facing off against countless different quarterbacks, but one stood out among all the rest as his favorite player to battle against.
Lavonte David names former Saints QB Drew Brees as his favorite opponent
In an appearance on The Rush with Maxx Crosby, David was asked if there was any quarterback that David looked forward to facing more than anyone else.
“The number one guy is Drew Brees… Brees was a different beast, a different animal,” said David. “The way you had to prepare for him was like no other. You had to be on your game mentally and physically.”
David displayed a ton of respect for Brees, and how the former New Orleans Saints forced you to be at your absolute best, or he’d make you pay.
David expressed regret for never recording an interception off Brees, making him the only NFC South rival quarterback he never picked off. David had interceptions off both Matt Ryan and Cam Newton during that era.
While Brees was the biggest standout, David listed a few other quarterbacks that made an impression on him as respected opponents. Russell Wilson, Peyton Manning, and Matt Ryan were other quarterbacks that David named.
Brees dominated the Bucs for awhile, with a 19-11 head-to-head record after joining the Saints. It’s no wonder why he commanded the respect of David in the process.
Luckily, the Bucs got the last laugh with a 30-20 victory over New Orleans in what would be the final game of Brees’ career. Brees through three picks in that game, and the final pass of his career was an interception.
It’s safe to say David had his defense prepared and ready to play against the opponent he respected most.
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