Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

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

Episode Overview

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.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lavonte David's Longevity and Body Maintenance

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]

2. Role Versatility & Film Study

Timestamp: 03:40 – 04:43

• David highlights how film preparation is vital to balancing run-stopping and pass coverage:
• Quote:

  “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]

3. Relationship with Coach Todd Bowles

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]

4. Organizational Loyalty and Culture

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.

5. Surviving the Changing NFL & Taking Care of Self

Timestamp: 07:40 – 09:55

• Sherman remarks how, despite new draftees intended to replace David and other veterans, they continue to produce at a high level.
• David details his approach to professionalism—being disciplined, focusing on legacy, and balancing play and rest to ensure durability and leadership for the next generation.

6. Pushing for the Division & Super Bowl Mindset

Timestamp: 09:55 – 12:04

• Discussion shifts to the grind of clinching the NFC South, with Sherman recalling nail-biting seasons.
• David underlines the importance of securing division wins early to avoid end-of-season uncertainty. He notes the current roster is “as deep as we’ve had in a long time," and this depth and hunger drive their ambitions.
• Quote:

  “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]

7. Baker Mayfield's Emergence as a Leader

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]

8. Player Chemistry and Leadership Across the Roster

Timestamp: 18:28 – 19:37

• Sherman and David joke about cornerback Jamel Dean’s improved hands and the camaraderie among veterans.
• David stresses the importance of veteran leadership for young players, referencing the contribution of defensive backs and internal accountability.

9. Previewing Patriots Game & Young QB Drake Maye

Timestamp: 19:42 – 21:10

• Upcoming matchup: Bucs (6-2) vs. Patriots (6-2) is now a “game of the week."
• David respects rookie QB Drake Maye’s poise and how he “lets the game come to him,” complimenting New England’s solid supporting cast.
• David sees the game as a big challenge for the Bucs’ defense.

10. Season Outlook and Moving Forward

Timestamp: 21:10 – 22:25

• David’s expectations: “I just want us to keep climbing...just capitalize on what we’ve been doing earlier in the season.”
• He notes that defensive chemistry is coming together after injuries and roster adjustments. The focus is on maintaining their grit and being the best athletes on the field.

11. Closing Remarks

Timestamp: 22:25 – 22:45

• Sherman thanks David for taking the time on his day off. The mutual respect and friendship between the two is clear.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• 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]

Important Timestamps

• 03:03 — Lavonte David joins, discusses his health and approaches to body care
• 04:43 — David on film study and versatility as a linebacker
• 06:12 — Relationship with Tampa Bay franchise and loyalty
• 08:38 — Off-the-field habits for longevity
• 09:55 — Struggle and focus to win the NFC South
• 12:20 — Baker Mayfield’s impact, leadership and defining plays
• 17:21 — The “Baker magic” play versus the 49ers
• 19:42 — Preview of Patriots game and scouting Drake Maye
• 21:10 — Season goals and defensive progress

Tone & Style

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.