Former Nebraska All-America linebacker and current NFL All-Pro Lavonte David was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Month for September on Thursday. The honor was the first of David’s career.
David’s play helped Tampa Bay to a 2-1 record in the opening month of the season. The Buccaneers defense ranks fourth in the NFL in total defense and seventh in scoring defense. David posted 24 tackles in three September games with two tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and two passes defended. David was the only NFL player in September to record 20 tackles with at least one tackle for loss, interception, forced fumble, fumble recovery, pass defended and quarterback hit.
Since he entered the NFL in 2012, David leads the NFL in fumble recoveries (15) and is tied for fifth in forced fumbles (22). He also ranks third in that span with 118 tackles for loss. David was an All-Pro selection in 2013 and a Pro Bowl pick in 2015. At Nebraska, David was a first-team All-American and the 2011 Big Ten Linebacker of the Year. He set a school record with 152 tackles in 2010 and ranks fourth all-time at Nebraska with 285 tackles, despite playing only two seasons.
