David Leftwich, Co-Founder and Executive Editor of Sugar and Rice

David Leftwich, Executive Editor of Sugar and Rice magazine will moderate a panel at Houston Eats conference. In his discussion he will also touch upon how his work in food has had an effect on him personally and professionally.

Leftwich played quarterback for three NFL teams – Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Atlanta Falcons. Prior to professional football he attended Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia for college football.

Early Life and Education

Jim Leftwich (1956-2010) was an innovative and dynamic poet from Charlottesville, Virginia who founded and edited two influential avant-garde literary journals called Juxta and Juxta Electronic. As editor and correspondent in these publications, Leftwich was instrumental in developing ideas and consciousness within this new literary culture.

Correspondence received, mailart, printed matter, literary texts, and other material (dated 1997 and 1998) including letters and cards from Adam Powell, Dave Baptiste Chirot, Vincent Ferrini (several letters from him), John M. Bennett, Scott MacLeod, poets/writers such as Scott MacLeod.

Included with this collection is a spiral-bound artist’s sketch diary containing Leftwich’s notes and drawings on every sheet with his blue ballpoint pen; many sheets bear his signature and note “5/17/97” written prominently at the upper right corner.

Professional Career

Leftwich helped lead Marshall University’s Thundering Herd to two Mid-American Conference championships while also finishing sixth in Heisman Trophy voting.

At the 2003 NFL Draft, he was selected seventh overall by the Jaguars and started six games during his inaugural year to help lead them to a 4-3 record.

After injuries limited Leftwich in his second season, coach Jack Del Rio made the bold move of replacing him with David Garrard – which proved pivotal in his career development.

Since then, Leftwich has served as offensive coordinator for both the Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping lead them both to Super Bowl LV victories in 2019. Leftwich can take credit for helping Tampa Bay win this year’s game too!

Achievement and Honors

David leftwich is the recipient of multiple accolades and awards for his extraordinary service and achievements, such as the Bronze Star with Combat Distinguishing Device, Meritorious Service Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

He has also received the 2016 Leftwich Trophy, presented annually to the commanding officer of a Marine captain serving active duty within their ground combat element.

Lieutenant Colonel Palka served as Commanding Officer of Battery E, 1st Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division during Operation Inherent Resolve from 2015 to 2016. For his outstanding leadership during this timeframe – helping his platoon conduct 67 days of sustained combat operations against ISIL/IS in Iraq and Syria – he received both the Bronze Star and Leftwich Trophy awards.

Personal Life

David Leftwich is an award-winning writer and editor based out of Houston, Texas. He co-founded and serves as Executive Editor for Sugar & Rice: Gulf Coast Food & Culture Journal.

He co-hosts Houston Public Media’s Houston Matters podcast to bring Houstonians information about local restaurants and bars in Houston through Full Menu, an on-going discussion series featuring Houston-area eateries and bars.

Personal Life of David Leftwich He is a dedicated husband and father to Angel Leftwich, while enjoying reading and cooking local vegetables – particularly kohlrabi.

Leftwich excelled as a quarterback at Marshall University (1998-2002) before being selected seventh overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003 NFL Draft. In game four of his rookie year after Mark Brunell had sustained an injury, Leftwich began serving as their starting quarterback – which would become his nameplate throughout that season.

Net Worth

David Leftwich is an offensive coordinator and former quarterback currently working with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, with an estimated net worth estimated to be $9 Million dollars.

As of 2022, he has turned 42 and stands 6 feet 5 inches with 250 pounds in his weight.

In 2003, he was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the seventh overall pick in the NFL Draft and spent four seasons before transitioning into their backup quarterback position.

After his playing career ended in 2016, he transitioned into coaching. From 2016-2018, he worked as an assistant coach with the Arizona Cardinals before their contract expired at the end of 2018 season and joined Buccaneers as offensive coordinator in 2019.