DeMarcus Lawrence facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
DeMarcus Lawrence

Lawrence with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021
No. 0 – Seattle Seahawks
Position:	Defensive end
Personal information
Born:	(1992-04-28) April 28, 1992 (age 33) Aiken, South Carolina, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:	254 lb (115 kg)
Career information
High school:	Silver Bluff (Aiken, South Carolina)
College:	Butler CC (2010–2011) Boise State (2012–2013)
NFL Draft:	2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 34
Career history
Dallas Cowboys (2014–2024) Seattle Seahawks (2025–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
Second-team All-Pro (2017) 4× Pro Bowl (2017, 2018, 2022, 2023) First-team All-MWC (2012, 2013)
Career NFL statistics as of 2024
Total tackles: 450 Sacks: 61.5 Forced fumbles: 21 Fumble recoveries: 8 Interceptions: 2 Pass deflections: 20 Defensive touchdowns: 2
Player stats at PFR

DeMarcus Lawrence, born on April 28, 1992, is an American professional football player. He plays as a defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League (NFL). He was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2014 NFL draft. Before joining the NFL, he played college football for Butler Community College and Boise State.

Early Life and High School Football

DeMarcus Lawrence grew up in Aiken, South Carolina. He went to Silver Bluff High School. In his final year of high school, he played several positions. These included tight end, offensive tackle, and defensive tackle. He made 97 tackles and had three sacks. He was also honored as an All-Star player.

College Football Journey

Lawrence started his college football journey at Butler Community College in 2010. He spent his first year as a "redshirt," meaning he practiced but didn't play in games. In 2011, he had a great year. He made 69 tackles and led his team with 12 sacks. He earned honors for his strong performance.

In 2012, he moved to Boise State University. As a sophomore, he started all 11 games. He led his team with 9.5 sacks and also forced four fumbles. One time, he even returned a fumbled ball for a 25-yard touchdown. In 2013, his junior year, he continued to shine. He started all 12 games and had 10.5 sacks. His total of 20 sacks in college was one of the best in Boise State history. After this season, he decided to enter the NFL draft.

Professional Football Career

DeMarcus Lawrence was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. The Cowboys traded up to pick him, showing how much they wanted him.

Playing for the Dallas Cowboys

2014 Season: A Strong Start

Lawrence fractured his foot during training camp in 2014. This meant he missed the start of his first NFL season. He returned in Week 9. Even though he had a slow start, he showed his talent in the playoffs. In a game against the Detroit Lions, he made a game-winning play. He sacked the quarterback, forced a fumble, and recovered the ball. This sealed the victory for the Cowboys.

2015 Season: Leading the Team

In 2015, Lawrence became a key player for the Cowboys. He started 13 games and led the team with eight sacks. He also forced three fumbles. He ended the season with a streak of seven games where he got at least one sack. After the season, he had back surgery.

2016 Season: Overcoming Challenges

Lawrence faced a challenge in 2016. He was suspended for the first four games for violating league rules. He also missed the last three games due to a back injury. Despite this, he returned for a playoff game. He showed his toughness by playing as a backup.

2017 Season: A Breakout Year

The 2017 season was a huge year for Lawrence. He moved back to his natural position on the left side of the defensive line. He forced a fumble in Week 2. In Week 3, he sacked the quarterback three times, leading the league in sacks early on. This earned him the NFC Defensive Player of the Week award. He finished the season with an amazing 14.5 sacks. This was tied for second-most in the entire league. He was also chosen for his first Pro Bowl.

Lawrence about to sack Kirk Cousins in a game against the Washington Redskins in 2017

2018 Season: Another Pro Bowl Year

In 2018, the Cowboys used the "franchise tag" on Lawrence. This meant they kept him on the team for another year. He continued his strong play, matching his career high with three sacks in one game. He finished the season with 10.5 sacks and led the team in tackles for loss. He was named to his second straight Pro Bowl.

2019 Season: A Big Contract

The Cowboys placed the franchise tag on Lawrence again in 2019. Then, they signed him to a big five-year contract. He started all 16 games and had five sacks. He also forced two fumbles.

2020 Season: Consistent Performance

Lawrence continued to be a strong force on the Cowboys' defense in 2020. He had 6.5 sacks and led the team with four forced fumbles. He also recovered a fumble that led to a touchdown for his team.

Lawrence in 2020

2021 Season: Injury and Return

In 2021, Lawrence had surgery for a broken bone in his foot. He was placed on injured reserve. He returned to play in Week 13. In Week 16, he made an exciting play. He intercepted a pass and ran it back 40 yards for a touchdown!

2022 Season: Contract Extension and Pro Bowl

In 2022, Lawrence signed a new three-year contract with the Cowboys. He continued to make big plays. In Week 5, he returned a fumble 19 yards for a touchdown. He played in all 17 games and was named to the Pro Bowl again.

2023 Season: Still a Top Player

Lawrence started all 17 games in the 2023 season. He recorded four sacks and continued to be a key part of the Cowboys' defense. He was named a Pro Bowler for the 2023 season, showing his continued excellence.

2024 Season: Injury Shortens Year

In the 2024 season, Lawrence had three sacks in the first four games. Unfortunately, he suffered a foot injury that kept him out for the rest of the season.

Moving to the Seattle Seahawks

On March 13, 2025, DeMarcus Lawrence signed a three-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks. He is now a part of their team.

NFL Career Statistics

DeMarcus Lawrence has had a very successful NFL career. Here are some of his career totals:

• Total tackles: 450
• Sacks: 61.5
• Forced fumbles: 21
• Fumble recoveries: 8
• Interceptions: 2
• Pass deflections: 20
• Defensive touchdowns: 2