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Kyle McLaughlin
This is an iHeart podcast.
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Richard Sherman
On.
Hari Kondabolu
The Podcast Health Stuff we are tackling all the health questions that keep you up at night.
Dr. Priyanka Wali
I'm Dr. Priyanka Wali, a double board certified physician.
Hari Kondabolu
And I'm Hari Kondabolu, a comedian and someone who once googled Do I have scurvy at 3am and on our show we're talking about health in a different way. Like our episode where we look at.
Dr. Priyanka Wali
Diabetes in the United states. I mean, 50% of Americans are pre diabetic.
Hari Kondabolu
How preventable is type 2?
Dr. Priyanka Wali
Extremely. Listen to Health Stuff on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Kyle McLaughlin
Hey, I'm Kyle McLaughlin. You might know me as that guy from Twin Peaks, Sex and the City or just the Internet Stand. I have a new podcast called what Are We Even Doing? Where I embark on a noble quest to understand the brilliant chaos of youth. Each week I invite someone fascinating to join me to talk about navigating this high speed rollercoaster we call reality. Join me and my delightful guests every Thursday and let's get weird together in a good way. Listen to what Are We Even doing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Veteran Speaker
The one extremely fluid and common factor when it comes to war is fear.
Good Stuff Podcast Host
This Veterans Day, the Good Stuff podcast honors those who've served and the stories that remind what strength really looks like.
Veteran Speaker
Had over 50 operations and had 23 blood transfusions.
Good Stuff Podcast Host
We're talking about resilience, purpose and finding hope through community and connection.
Veteran Advocate
There are blessings that will happen in the most unexpected places.
Good Stuff Podcast Host
Listen to the Good Stuff podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts from.
Hari Kondabolu
NBA champion Stephen Curry comes shot ready.
Levante David
A powerful, never before seen look at.
Hari Kondabolu
The mindset that changed the game.
Levante David
I fell in love with the grind. You have to find joy in the work you do when no one else is around. Success is not an accident. I'm passing the ball to you. Let's go. Steph Curry redefined basketball.
Hari Kondabolu
Now he's rewriting what it means to succeed.
Levante David
Order your copy of the New York Times bestseller shot ready today@stephencurrybook.com broke off two sacks. You know, I thought he was gonna throw it after that, but then, you know, Baker magic kicked in.
Richard Sherman
Welcome back to Richard Sherman podcast. We got an incredible guest, a good friend of mine, Levante David. The veteran never gets enough credit. How you?
Levante David
I'm good, bro. Thank you for having me. As always, man. Good talking to you.
Richard Sherman
Good talking to you too. You're having another great season. You got 57 tackles, two and a half sacks in a book. How you. How your body feeling?
Levante David
Body feeling good, man. Getting back on track, you know, especially having this all week off week. This past week, during the middle of the season, Perfect timing, man. You know, get a chance to kind of like unwind, get away from football a little bit, work on a little small things as far as, like, body and getting some. Some much needed rest for show. You know, with a guy my age, I need it all, but definitely felt good, man. I'm ready to get back to it.
Richard Sherman
You are one of the few players with 1500 tackles, 35 plus sacks, and 10 plus interceptions. How do you balance your run duty and all the responsibilities you have with that with your. Your ability and coverage?
Levante David
Man, it's a lot that goes into it. You know, obviously film study is the main thing and understanding your opponent and then understanding what you can do within a defense, you know what I'm saying? Understanding you can be aggressive, understanding when you can't be aggressive, understanding when you cannot kind of like jump routes and stuff like that. Understanding we can't jump routes and understanding who you're working with. You know, you got some guys and, you know, I back in who I'm pretty confident in. So they me an opportunity to be aggressive in coverage and also in the run game where you got a guy like Vita Vel, you know, who, you know, takes up multiple blocks and things like that. Give you a chance to, you know, kind of run freely and shoot gaps. So definitely a chance, you know, times where you have to, you know, pull your trigger and then sometimes you have to hold back a little bit. But you know what I'm saying, never take that aggressiveness, aggressiveness away, you know, out your game. And that's what I try to do.
Richard Sherman
I want to talk about your relationship with Todd Bowles.
Levante David
Yeah.
Richard Sherman
Because I think that's one of the cooler relationships in the National Football League. At least when I was there for the little bit of, you know, cup of coffee, I was in Tampa. An incredibly smart coordinator, but just a Good human being and a good leader of men.
Levante David
Yeah, yeah, man. It's incredible. You know, you got a chance to see what a lot of people don't see. You know, everybody always, you know, see him as this mild mannered guy who don't, you know, get on people who just be, be quiet and everything. But it's the complete opposite, you know what I'm saying? When you got a defensive minded coach sometimes and the defense is not working, the way he runs it, you could definitely see a different side of him. And we've seen it, We've seen it, I've seen it. You know what I'm saying? But he's one of those guys who's very open, man, very open jokes a lot. You know, always happy to, you know, always working. His mind's always working. And that's what we love about him, man. You know, he always want to put us in the best position to make plays. And that's why a lot of guys, you know, love to play for him. And my relationship with him is just that, you know, it's an open door policy with him. I could text him whenever I have questions about anything in life. You know, the same thing with him. You know, when, you know, you witness the man with something not, you know, we not good with something in the defense, you know, all you got to do is tell him, he'll throw it out. And that's what I love, man. You know, most D coordinators not really like that. They kind of stubborn guys, but not Bulls, man. He's very open and, you know, he, he, he let his players, he want to put his players in the best position to make plays.
Richard Sherman
This is your 14th season with one team. Not, not many players in the National Football League, in the history of the National Football League can say that. Could you talk about just the loyalty you feel to that franchise and what they feel back to you? Because I love the family environment they create out there.
Levante David
Yeah, man, it's definitely that. It's a family environment. You know, a lot of guys when they draft, they try to keep intact. You know, a lot of core guys, things like that. You've seen it with me, you see it with Mike, you see it with Chris Godwin, you've seen it with Will Golson and guys like that and much gu guys to come. You know, I feel like it might be that way with Antoine Winfield, with Vita, you know, core guys, you want to keep those guys around. And, you know, for me, man, like just going through what I went through early in my career in this program, you know, I thought I was probably going to be one of the first guys out when the changing, you know, the regime, new regime came in. But I was one of the first people they called and said they wanted me to be a part of it. So that did make me feel, you know, kind of, you know, comfortable in a way and things like that, but still knowing that I have to do my job and take care of what I need to take care of and. And, you know, for them to kind of like, you know, relay that back to me, having that relationship with Jason Light and all those guys, you know, when they, you know, reach out to me and let me know, like, hey, man, you know, we want you to be a part of this. You want to keep core foundations. What we want to build, continue to build around. And all it does for me is just giving me confidence as a player, you know, continue to, you know, go out there and put my best foot forward and try my best to be a leader for the program, for the up and coming guys.
Richard Sherman
But it's not even just your play on the field, you know, which has been incredible. You have been one of the best middle linebackers in National Football League. One of the best linebackers. Forget middle. But off the field, you work hard, you do what you're supposed to do. You would do right guys, what they say do right guys done it your entire career. You talk about surviving regimes. You survive more than regimes. But it's always, every year they're drafting somebody to replace you. The replacement, the next guy. And that's what they're saying about Mike. They're like, they always drafted somebody to. To. To retire. Mike Evans. Yeah, Mike Evans. Just get another thousand off. My heart was broken when he broke his damn car.
Levante David
Yeah, man, that was tough, but.
Richard Sherman
That was tough. But I. I say all that to say, like, talk me through how, how. What you do off the field to take care of your body and take care of yourself, to last as long as a Mike linebacker.
Levante David
Yeah, man, I think the main thing is just being disciplined, you know what I'm saying? Like, my whole goal was to, you know, when I got a chance, that I figured I could make it to the NFL. My whole goal was to make it in a friend and last NFL. And I had to do what it takes to be able to, you know, do that and sustain in this league. You know, me wanting to be one of the best people, best players in the game, and me wanting to, you know, protect my legacy, protect my name in the back of my jersey. So I was doing everything that I had to do to, you know, take care of that. I had a good. I got a good supporting cast around with my family and friends, things like that. So it definitely kept me on tack and be able to, you know, take care what I need to take care of. It's a time. Time to play in a time not to play for me. You know, I'm saying off season, you know, all season, it may seem long, but it's not that long. You know how it is, man. You may have a good month at max or a couple of weeks at max to be able to, you know, kind of like have a little fun and do what you got to do, but at the same time, man, you got to get back to it because, you know, these seasons, you know, these seasons is very long. You better be able to sustain your level of play. And you know, for the most part, man, I just try to stay level headed, you know, always, you know, focus on the main goal and that's being the best athlete I can be. And when I do that, you know what I'm saying? I have time to play when I retire, but, you know, right now, when I'm in the game, I just try to put my best foot forward and be the best player.
Richard Sherman
Every year, at least out in Tampa, I know the main goal is to win your division because winning your division guarantees you'll play playoff spots. And y' all wanted four years straight, right? But it's always been a grind, right?
Levante David
It's been grind.
Richard Sherman
Last game, you better hope somebody lose and they win, et cetera, et cetera. But this year has been a little different. And, and it, it even the year y' all win the super bowl with Tom, that wasn't like a smooth, like, we felt good the whole year and we going to the playoffs, y' all.
Levante David
Were on the road.
Richard Sherman
So talk about the differences between that season and just the confidence you guys feel this season.
Levante David
Yeah, man. You know, that year that, that year that we went to the super bowl, going to the bout, we were 75, so, you know, it was pretty tough. So we definitely had to battle. You know, luckily we didn't lose a game after that, but that was pretty cool. But, you know, right now, and then the years after 8 and 9, 9 and 8, 10 and 7, you know, you grinding, man, you got to grind. And it always comes down to that last game. But, you know, as you know, man, you don't want to be in that situation. So our whole main thing is, you know, win the games, you're supposed to win and then. And just, you know, just dominate throughout, you know what I'm saying? We feel like we compete with any team in this league. You know, we got a talent roster. You know, it's a lot of depth on his roster that. That we haven't had in a very long time. That's something that, you know, I really love to see. And the guys are hungry. You know what I'm saying? Guys are hungry. Guys want to go out there, guys want to battle, and guys want to make plays, and that's what you see out of a lot of guys right now on this team. Man. You know, obviously, you know, starting with Baker, you know, the way he's carrying, the way he's leading us, and everybody just feeding off him and just trickling down to everybody, man, you got a lot of young guys stepping up, and that's a testament to, you know, the veterans in the locker room, man, you know, I'm showing them the way. Show them things. Things supposed to be done, how we want things done, and let them know, you know, we don't want to be in them situations like we was the past couple years. You know, you kind of. Kind of, like, knock this out early, you know, hopefully, you know, lead the a. NFC and get us a bye week in the playoffs, but, you know, that time will come when it comes. But, you know, right now, we just focus on one game at a time, and it's been pretty cool, man. It's been something extremely fun to be a part of, and we're ready to get back to it.
Richard Sherman
No question about it. Y'. All. Y' all have had some. Some. Some different games. Yeah, y' all went on the road, gotten a shootout with Seattle. We're able to pull off the win. I know Bose wasn't happy about that. A lot of stern conversations.
Levante David
Yeah, but.
Richard Sherman
But talk about Baker Mayfield and. And what he has meant to this team, because it's. You know, I'm not going to be the lazy guy and ask you the difference between Baker Mayfield and Tom Brady. It's just such a lazy question. That's clear differences. But there was a play that almost defines your season and defines Baker Mayfield against the San Francisco 49ers when it was third and 17.
Levante David
Yeah.
Richard Sherman
He had no business getting the first down on this play. He breaks two or three tackles in the backfield, gets out of there, drops his shoulder, breaks another one, reaches for the first down. What was going through your mind at that moment?
Levante David
Yeah, man. You know, at that moment, I. I'm standing up watching, you know, so it's third and 17. So you know, you got a little faith. But you know how it is, man. You know how it is on third and 17. Defense love for third. And so I'm, you know, I'm assuming something to happen, he might, he might get a little pass off or run the ball, get a little screen, you know, something safe and you know, punt the ball out, let us get on the field.
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Kyle McLaughlin
Limu emo and Doug Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug.
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Kyle McLaughlin
Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you need@libertymutual.com Liberty Liberty, Liberty Liberty Savings Fairy underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance company and affiliates, excludes Massachusetts.
Hari Kondabolu
On the podcast Health Stuff, we are tackling all the health questions that keep you up at night.
Dr. Priyanka Wali
Yes, I'm Dr. Priyanka Walley, a double board certified physician.
Hari Kondabolu
And I'm Hari Kondabolu, a comedian and someone who once googled do I have scurvy? Harvey at 3am on health stuff, we're.
Dr. Priyanka Wali
Talking about health in a different way.
Hari Kondabolu
It's not only about what we can do to improve our health, but also.
Dr. Priyanka Wali
What our health says about us and the way we're living.
Hari Kondabolu
Like our episode where we look at.
Dr. Priyanka Wali
Diabetes in the United states. I mean, 50% of Americans are pre diabetic.
Hari Kondabolu
How preventable is type 2?
Dr. Priyanka Wali
Extremely. Or our in depth analysis of how incredible mangoes are.
Hari Kondabolu
Oh, it's hard to explain to rest of the world that like your mangoes are fine because mangoes are incredible, but like you don't even know.
Dr. Priyanka Wali
You don't know.
Levante David
You don't know.
Dr. Priyanka Wali
It's going to be a fun ride. So tune in.
Hari Kondabolu
Listen to health stuff on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Kyle McLaughlin
Hey there. I'm Kyle McLaughlin. You might know me as that guy from Twin Peaks, Sex and the City, or just the Internet's dad. I have a new podcast called what Are We Even Doing? Where I embark on a noble Quest to understand the brilliant chaos of youth culture.
Lenovo Pro Advertiser
Daddy's looking good.
Kyle McLaughlin
Each week I invite someone fascinating to join me. Actors, musicians, creatives, highly evolved digital life forms. And we talk about what they love. Sometimes I'll drizzle a little honey in.
Levante David
There too if I'm feeling sexy in the morning.
Kyle McLaughlin
What keeps them going?
Dr. Priyanka Wali
And you're maybe my biggest competition on social media.
Levante David
Like when a kid says broadcast and.
Kyle McLaughlin
How they're navigating this high speed roller coaster we call reality.
Levante David
In Australia, you're looking out for snakes, spiders and right.
Kyle McLaughlin
Hey, he's no Trey McDougal.
Richard Sherman
Chill.
Levante David
This is like the comments section of my Instagram.
Kyle McLaughlin
Join me and my delightful guests every Thursday. And let's get weird together in a good way. Listen to what are we even doing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Veteran Speaker
The one extremely fluid and common factor in emotion when it comes to war and battle is fear for both sides.
Good Stuff Podcast Host
Do you remember the fear of combat?
Veteran Speaker
100%, yeah.
Good Stuff Podcast Host
This Veterans Day, the Good Stuff podcast honors those who've served and the stories that remind us what strength really looks like.
Veteran Speaker
Had over 50 operations and had 23 blood transfusions.
Veteran Advocate
It is extremely difficult to navigate the VA system. I think what frustrates us the most is thinking about our veterans From World War II era, from Vietnam era, that don't have an advocate on the phone every day, all day calling for them. These are things that need to be talked about. These are things that need to be discussed.
Good Stuff Podcast Host
We're talking about resilience, purpose, and finding hope through community and connection.
Veteran Advocate
There are blessings in there as well that will happen in the most unexpected places.
Veteran Speaker
You have to find the humor in it or I think it'll literally kill you.
Good Stuff Podcast Host
Listen to the Good Stuff podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Levante David
You know, watching and I see and I seen the magic happen, you know what I'm saying? He broke off two sacks. You know, I thought he was gonna throw it after that. But then, you know, Baker magic kicked in, you know what I'm saying? You know, I'm on the sideline jumping up hype crunk, you know, when he got the first down, got up all hype and I'm on the side, I'm like, I'm flexing and everything too. Like, I, I love that when you see your quarterback doing stuff like that, it just does something to you, man. Like, and that's just him that he'd been like that since Day one since he got in the building. And, you know, he just brings a different type of energy, you know, to our locker room, man. Like, and it's crazy because, like, in the locker room, you know, he smiling, kind of act a little shy, you know, playing around and stuff like that. And then, you know, game time come, you know, he's just a different animal. And that's what I love to see, man. Like, he plays with a chip on his shoulder, you know, obviously for the stuff that he's been through, you know, being counted out and things like that. But for him, I think it's the part of, you know, he got a group of guys around who believe in him and giving him the confidence to go out there and be the best player he can be. And knowing that he got his back is definitely true. True. Likely. You can see it.
Richard Sherman
Yeah. You would have never believed in a million years. When he first got there, there was a QB controversy. We ain't gonna even talk about that. But he really has just come into his own. He got the young kid a mecca Buka playing, playing lights out football. We, we talked about Chris, we talked about Big Mike.
Levante David
Yeah.
Richard Sherman
It just seems like this team is jailing like it's a good culture. It's a reason why you guys keep winning. It's a reason why guys stay even. Jamel Dean is catching interceptions. I said, Jamel D, he got hands like a snake.
Levante David
Right, right, right, right. You see you give. Give him a hard time about that all the time.
Richard Sherman
Yeah, give him a hard time. He text me every interception he get. You see that one?
Levante David
Yeah, yeah, yeah. He know we always give him a hard time about it, so gotta tell him, man. You gotta catch the one he throw to you, bro. And he bringing him down, man. I love to see it, man. I love it.
Richard Sherman
Yeah, man. I had to text Rock the other day. I said, I don't know how you survive with these boys. Stress you out.
Levante David
Like, at least he got Antoine. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You know, Rock, Rock on him. Right?
Richard Sherman
Rock is on him. No question about it. So this, this Patriots game.
Levante David
Yeah.
Richard Sherman
Before the season. You know, we, we not going to sit here and act like NFL teams aren't NFL teams. But it didn't look like it looked now, you know, it looks like game of the week now. Two six and two teams, they're playing well. You guys are playing incredibly well. Talk about Drake May. What, what challenges he. He gives.
Levante David
Yeah, man, he's going to be a challenge, man. He's a, a young quarterback, but he's playing Like a veteran, you know, he making all his right reads. He' shots when he's supposed to take his shots. When he got guys checking the ball down, he was getting rid of the football. And it just looked like, man, he letting the game come to him. You know, he not pressing, he not rushing and strolls and things like that. He's just letting the game come to him. And, you know, they've been doing a good job of, you know, getting guys around him. You know, they got some weapons on the outside that he can get the ball to. Got two great tight ends, and, you know, he got the young running back making plays in open field and things like that, getting the ball out to him, you know, creating havoc in space. And you could tell, man, you could tell the way he. He looks, man, he's just letting the game come to him, and it's just like he's playing, like, with no pressure and that what you want for a young quarterback, man. And they're doing a great job, you know, scheming things up and allowing him to make plays. Sometimes, you know, we're taking off with the football. He's athletic. He could do that, too. So, obviously, it's going to be a challenge for us, you know, defensively, to be able to combat that and kind of like, you know, do things to minimize, you know, especially those exposed players that they get, you know, so definitely gonna be a challenge for us, man. And they playing great football.
Richard Sherman
No question about that. What, what are you feeling? What are your expectations for. For the rest of this year, man?
Levante David
You know, I. I just want us to keep climbing, you know what I'm saying? It's been a lot of times where, you know, in the middle of the season, we kind of hit a lull and things, you know, go our way. But, you know, we kind of, like, want to kind of like, just capitalize on what we've been doing earlier in the season. And, you know, we still want to be that. That. That. That team that grinds out through, you know, all four quarters. You know, we. We're a team who play with a lot of grit, you know what I'm saying? And you need to continue to go out there making plays and continue to build on, building on the success that we have, especially defensively. You know, defensively, I feel like we started out a little slow, and now we kind of like getting the groove of things, stuff like that. I think guys are getting more comfortable because there was a lot of moving parts, obviously, you know, couple guys getting hurt, guys, you know, switching here and there, you know, guys coming back from injury and things like that. So I feel like it's, everybody started to get a little jail and everybody's trying to get kind of like understanding what office is trying to do against us, you know. And you know how it is man. In the middle of the season, you know, offense, you're going to get what you're going to get. It just basically comes down to, you know, player on player, athlete on athlete and who going to be the best. And we feel like we got the best. So we gonna see how it go.
Richard Sherman
We gonna see how it goes. I can't wait to see it because it's been great so far. I appreciate always. I know you, this, this your day off. You got to get some rest and spend some time with the family. You're taking a chance to spend some time with your boy.
Levante David
Yeah, you definitely appreciate you man. You know it's all love with you man. You know how it is bro. Appreciate you man.
Richard Sherman
Yes sir.
Levante David
All love. I don't love my guy.
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Hari Kondabolu
On the podcast Health Stuff we are tackling all the health questions that keep you up at night.
Dr. Priyanka Wali
I'm Dr. Priyanka Wali, a double board certified physician.
Hari Kondabolu
And I'm Hari Kundabolu, a comedian and someone who once googled do I have scurvy at 3am and on our show we're talking about health in a different way. Like our episode where we look at.
Dr. Priyanka Wali
Diabetes in the United states. I mean 50% of Americans are pre diabetic.
Hari Kondabolu
How preventable is type 2?
Dr. Priyanka Wali
Extremely. Listen to Health Stuff on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Kyle McLaughlin
Hey, I'm Kyle McLaughlin. You might know me as that guy from Twin Peaks, Sex and the City or just the Internet Stand. I have a new podcast called what Are We Even Doing? Where I embark on a noble quest to understand the brilliant chaos of youth culture. Each week I invite someone fascinating to join me to talk about navigating this high speed rollercoaster we call reality. Join me and my delightful guests every Thursday and let's get weird together in a good way. Listen to what Are We Even doing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Veteran Speaker
The one extremely fluid and common factor when it comes to war is fear.
Good Stuff Podcast Host
This Veterans Day, the Good Stuff podcast honors those who've served and the stories that remind us what strength really looks like.
Veteran Speaker
Had over 50 operations and had 23 blood transfusions.
Good Stuff Podcast Host
We're talking about resilience, purpose and finding hope through community and connection.
Veteran Advocate
There are blessings that will happen in the most unexpected places.
Good Stuff Podcast Host
Listen to the Good Stuff podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Kyle McLaughlin
This is an iHeart podcast.
Episode: Richard Sherman Podcast - Lavonte David talks Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield’s leadership & Super Bowl hopes
Date: November 6, 2025
Host: Richard Sherman
Guest: Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker
This episode sees Richard Sherman sit down with veteran Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David. The conversation explores David’s exceptional longevity with the Bucs, his approach to leadership on and off the field, his relationship with Coach Todd Bowles, the evolution of the team's identity, and the impact of quarterback Baker Mayfield on the locker room. The pair also preview the Bucs' critical upcoming game and Super Bowl hopes.
Timestamp: 03:03 – 04:43, 08:38 – 09:55
Sherman opens by noting David’s remarkable durability and production after 14 seasons with one team.
David credits his longevity to a disciplined approach—especially rest, film study, and leveraging a strong support system.
Quote:
“My whole goal was to...last in the NFL. And I had to do what it takes...to, you know, protect my legacy, protect my name in the back of my jersey.” — Lavonte David [08:45]
He discusses the importance of off-season focus, noting that fun and downtime are short-lived—“You may have a good month at max...but...you got to get back to it because...these seasons...you better be able to sustain your level of play.” [09:08]
Timestamp: 03:40 – 04:43
“Film study is the main thing...you have to pull your trigger and then sometimes you have to hold back a little bit...never take that aggressiveness away out your game. And that’s what I try to do.” — Lavonte David [03:54]
Timestamp: 04:43 – 06:12
Sherman describes Bowles as “an incredibly smart coordinator, but just a good human being and a good leader of men.”
David praises Bowles’ openness, humor, and willingness to listen to players’ feedback:
“My relationship with him is just that, you know, it’s an open door policy with him...if we're not good with something in the defense, all you got to do is tell him, he'll throw it out.” [05:17]
David contrasts Bowles' approach to more stubborn defensive coordinators and values how Bowles prioritizes putting his players “in the best position to make plays.” [05:45]
Timestamp: 06:12 – 07:40
David speaks on the Bucs’ family atmosphere and loyalty to core players:
Quote:
“It’s a family environment...for me, man, going through what I went through early...I thought I was probably going to be one of the first guys out when...new regime came in. But I was one of the first people they called and said they wanted me to be a part of it.” [06:38]
David feels that this organizational trust fuels his own leadership and motivates him to guide younger players.
Timestamp: 07:40 – 09:55
Timestamp: 09:55 – 12:04
“You know, we feel like we can compete with any team in this league. You know, we got a talented roster...and the guys are hungry.” [10:41]
Timestamp: 12:20 – 13:46, 17:21 – 18:28
Sherman highlights a pivotal play by Baker Mayfield—a gritty conversion on third-and-17 against the 49ers—as symbolic of his influence.
David enthusiastically describes “Baker magic” and how the team feeds off his energy:
“When you see your quarterback doing stuff like that, it just does something to you, man...he’s been like that since day one since he got in the building. He just brings a different type of energy to our locker room.” [17:26]
In the locker room, Mayfield’s playful and shy, but in games, “he’s just a different animal.”
David credits the veterans for fostering belief in Baker—“he got a group of guys around who believe in him and give him confidence to go out there and be the best player he can be.” [18:13]
Timestamp: 18:28 – 19:37
Timestamp: 19:42 – 21:10
Timestamp: 21:10 – 22:25
Timestamp: 22:25 – 22:45
On Bowles’ Openness:
“Most D coordinators not really like that. They kind of stubborn guys, but not Bowles, man. He’s very open…” — Levante David [05:37]
On Surviving NFL Roster Changes:
“Every year they’re drafting somebody to replace you...but it’s always, every year, you put your best foot forward.” — Richard Sherman [07:52]
On “Baker Magic”:
“I’m on the sideline jumping up hype crunk...when you see your quarterback doing stuff like that, it just does something to you, man. And that’s just him...” — Levante David [17:21]
The episode is candid, conversational, and upbeat. There’s an undercurrent of camaraderie, veteran wisdom, and mutual respect. Both Sherman and David mix football analysis with genuine locker room banter and insight, making the podcast accessible for hardcore fans as well as casual listeners.