'Friends First':LB Credits Relationship with David

Last year, Tampa Bay Buccaneers' linebacker K.J. Britt stepped up in an impactful way when Devin White missed time with injury, continuing to impress when his teammate returned in split time.

White has since left the franchise, leaving a permanent starting spot in the middle of the Tampa Bay defense which Britt will occupy come the start of the regular season. That spot has been earned through his play in addition to his maturation through three seasons in the NFL.

Such advancement came naturally being thrust into a starting role for a time in 2023, but learning alongside Lavonte David has certainly accelerated that process. A model of consistency on the Bucs' defense, David started all 15 games he played in a season ago.

Britt has not only learned alongside the veteran linebacker, but has also developed a relationship that he credits for his growth.

"When we go out there and play together we got to have a relationship because we got to trust one another," Britt said. "I might see something that he does not see... us taking a lot of reps this training camp has been real beneficial."

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David signed a one-year deal in the offseason but the vision for this group is clear: prepare Britt to take the reigns of this defense and polish his leadership qualities. With White gone, Tampa Bay will install Britt at the Mike linebacker spot, positioning the young guy to make the defensive calls .

Excelling in those duties will require the application of the intangible skills that have not been the most urgent to this point in his career. That will need to change for this defense to maintain its standing.

However, it appears Britt has embraced that challenge. His relationship with the player flanked alongside him contributes to that reality and should have him primed to lead in the coming seasons of Bucs' football.