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Tampa Bay Buccaneers Re-Sign Linebacker Lavonte David for 14th Season

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TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially announced a new contract agreement with veteran linebacker Lavonte David, securing the franchise legend for his 14th season in Tampa Bay.

“Lavonte is not only one of the greatest Buccaneers in history but is the embodiment of consistency, excellence, and leadership,” said Buccaneers General Manager Jason Licht. “For over a decade, he has been the heart of our defense, setting the standard with his relentless work ethic and passion for the game. His impact on and off the field is immeasurable, and we are thrilled to have him back for another season.”

Tying Franchise Legends

With his return, David ties Pro Football Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks for the second-most seasons played in Buccaneers history, trailing only Rondé Barber (16 seasons). His longevity and dominance on the field have cemented his place among the greatest players in team history.

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Franchise & NFL Career Achievements

David holds several franchise records, including:

  • Most forced fumbles (31)
  • Most fumble recoveries (19)
  • Second in all-time tackles (1,600)
  • Third in games played (198) and games started (198)
  • Tied-for-sixth in sacks (39.0)

In the NFL record books, since full defensive data became available in 1991, David is one of only five players to achieve:
✔️ 1,600+ tackles
✔️ 30.0+ sacks
✔️ 10+ interceptions

Additionally, he joins an elite group of eight players with 40+ sacks and 30+ takeaways (including playoffs), alongside Hall of Famers Ray Lewis, Julius Peppers, Junior Seau, Jason Taylor, and Brian Urlacher.

2024 Season Performance

David proved his elite form in 2024, leading the Buccaneers’ defense with:
122 tackles (team-high, nine for loss)
5.5 sacks
Six passes defensed
Three forced fumbles
One interception

A Respected Leader & Franchise Staple

David has been named a team captain for 11 consecutive seasons, making him the longest-tenured player on the Buccaneers’ roster. The Miami native was originally drafted by Tampa Bay in the second round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of the University of Nebraska.

As the Buccaneers prepare for another season, keeping David on the roster ensures a key defensive leader remains at the core of the team’s championship aspirations.

_________________________________________________________________________

J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Nework
Sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Central Florida News

Old Dominion Downs USF 24-10 to Win 2025 StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium

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Source: StaffDNA Cure Bowl / Orlando Sports Foundation

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Old Dominion capped a historic season with a 24-10 victory over South Florida on Tuesday night, capturing the 2025 StaffDNA Cure Bowl at Camping World Stadium behind a dominant defensive effort and two rushing touchdowns from quarterback Quinn Henicle.

The Monarchs (10-3) forced five turnovers, including four interceptions, and limited the Bulls (9-4) to 333 total yards. The win marked Old Dominion’s second 10-win season since moving to the FBS level in 2014 and capped a six-game winning streak to close the year.

Henicle Leads on the Ground, Earns MVP Honors

Making his first start after longtime starter Colton Joseph entered the transfer portal, freshman Quinn Henicle rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. His final score — a 51-yard run with just over two minutes remaining — sealed the Monarchs’ victory and earned him game MVP honors.

“It means everything,” Henicle said. “I didn’t play my best game, but my teammates helped me out. We got the win, and that’s all that matters.”

Henicle completed 11 of 25 passes for 127 yards, overcoming early struggles through timely runs and strong support from the defense.

Defense Forces Turnovers, Sets Records

Old Dominion’s defense proved decisive, led by safety Jerome Carter, who intercepted two passes to set a school single-season record with six interceptions. Carter’s second pick, which came during a fake punt attempt late in the fourth quarter, set up Henicle’s game-clinching touchdown.

The Monarchs also set StaffDNA Cure Bowl records for interceptions by a team (four) and solo tackles in a game, as linebacker Jeremy Mack Jr. recorded 10 solo stops.

“This team prepared like champions all year,” said Old Dominion head coach Ricky Rahne. “Bowls are important. This isn’t the NFL — this is college football.”

USF Comes Up Short Amid Key Absences

South Florida played without starting quarterback Byrum Brown and head coach Alex Golesh, who departed after the regular season. Backup quarterback Gaston Moore threw for 236 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted four times and exited early in the fourth quarter with an apparent head injury.

Despite leading 10-7 at halftime, the Bulls were held scoreless in the second half, missed two field goals, muffed a punt, and struggled to establish the run, finishing with just 52 rushing yards.

Old Dominion running back Devin Roche added 100 yards on 19 carries, helping the Monarchs control the clock and close out the win.

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Central Florida News

Osceola Magic Fall to Memphis Hustle 125-122 on Holiday Jersey Giveaway Night

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Photo by Bernie Walls / Florida National News

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Osceola Magic mounted a determined comeback after falling behind early but ultimately came up just short in a 125-122 loss to the Memphis Hustle on Holiday Jersey Giveaway Night.

Photo by Bernie Walls / Florida National News

The Magic struggled defensively in the opening quarter as Memphis established an early advantage, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities and efficient shooting. Osceola responded with improved ball movement and increased defensive intensity, gradually closing the gap as the game progressed.

In front of an energetic home crowd, the Magic surged late in the fourth quarter, trimming the deficit to one possession in the final moments. Despite several clutch baskets and key stops down the stretch, Osceola was unable to complete the comeback as Memphis held on for the narrow victory.

The matchup showcased the Magic’s resilience and depth, highlighting their ability to respond under pressure and compete until the final buzzer. Fans in attendance were treated to an exciting contest and a festive atmosphere as part of the team’s holiday celebration.

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South Florida News

Florida Gators Top George Washington 80–70 to Win AutoNation Orange Bowl Classic

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Photo by Roman D. Garay / Florida National News

SUNRISE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Playing what felt like a home game, the reigning national champion Florida Gators returned to South Florida and captured the 31st Annual AutoNation Orange Bowl Classic with an 80–70 victory over George Washington on Sunday night at Amerant Bank Arena.

Voice of Sports Reporter Florida National News Matt Wolff

Tommy Haugh and Xavian Lee set the tone early, opening the game with back-to-back 3-pointers and scoring Florida’s first 14 points. The Gators built an early eight-point lead before George Washington answered behind Tyrone Marshall Jr., who sparked a brief rally that gave the Colonials their first lead midway through the first half.

Florida regained control after halftime. Lee and Haugh combined for the first five points of the second half as part of an 11–0 run that stretched the lead to 41–27. Florida’s depth proved decisive, with reserve guard Isiah Brown providing key points and Micah Handlogten adding energy inside as the Gators pushed their advantage to as many as 20.

George Washington trimmed the deficit to single digits late, but Florida answered with emphatic dunks by Haugh and Boogie Fland and sealed the win at the free-throw line.

Lee earned tournament MVP honors, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Haugh added 19 points and seven rebounds. Marshall led George Washington with 14 points and six rebounds, while Trey Autry and Rafael Castro scored 12 points apiece.

Florida improved to 6–4 and returns to Gainesville to host St. Francis. George Washington fell to 8–4 and will host St. Mary’s (MD) on Dec. 22.

UMass Hands Florida State Fourth Straight Loss

In the opening game of the doubleheader, Florida State’s struggles continued as UMass defeated the Seminoles 100–85, handing FSU its fourth consecutive loss and surrendering 100 or more points for the second time in four games.

UMass jumped out early behind Marcus Banks Jr., who hit four first-half 3-pointers. Florida State rallied late in the half and carried a four-point lead into halftime, but the Minutemen seized control after the break.

Leonardo Bettiol recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds, igniting a decisive second-half run. A flagrant foul assessed to Florida State’s Lajae Jones led to a pivotal five-point possession that swung momentum firmly to UMass.

Hankins-Sanford Leads Second-Half Surge

Daniel Hankins-Sanford was named tournament MVP after scoring a career-high 26 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, including 18 points in the second half. K’Jei Parker added a career-best 24 points as UMass rallied from a halftime deficit and pulled away late.

For Florida State (5–5), Robert McCray V finished with 21 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while Kobe Magee added 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Florida State travels to Dayton on Tuesday. UMass opens MAAC play at home against Kent State on Dec. 20.

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