Deon Lacey facts for kids

Deon L. Lacey (born July 18, 1990) is a former American football player. He was a talented linebacker who played for several teams in both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at the University of West Alabama before starting his professional journey.

Early Life of Deon Lacey

Deon Lacey was born on July 18, 1990, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He grew up in Hueytown, Alabama. While attending Hueytown High School, Deon was a standout athlete. He excelled in both football and track and field.

In football, he was named All-state and Super All-Metro. He also earned the Old Spice Player of the Year award. His team called him Defensive Player of the Year. In track, he set a school record in the 400 metres race.

College Football Career

Deon Lacey played college football for the West Alabama Tigers from 2008 to 2012. He was a key player on their defense. In 2011, he was named the Gulf South Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

During that impressive year, he made 97 tackles. He also had nine tackles for loss, four sacks, and two interceptions. He broke up four passes and recovered one fumble. By the end of his college career, Deon had 267 tackles, nine sacks, six forced fumbles, and five interceptions.

Professional Football Journey

Deon Lacey had a long career playing professional football. He played for teams in both the NFL and the CFL.

Dallas Cowboys (2013)

After college, Deon Lacey was not chosen in the 2013 NFL draft. However, the Dallas Cowboys signed him on April 28, 2013. He played in three preseason games for the Cowboys. He made five tackles during these games. The Cowboys released him from the team on August 27, 2013.

Edmonton Eskimos (2014–2016)

Deon Lacey then moved to the Canadian Football League (CFL). He signed with the Edmonton Eskimos on February 26, 2014. He quickly became an important player for the Eskimos. He was especially good on special teams.

Over three years with the Eskimos, Deon played in every game. He made 144 defensive tackles and 68 special teams tackles. He also had 7 sacks, 3 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and scored 1 touchdown. In 2015, he helped the Eskimos win the 103rd Grey Cup, which is the CFL championship.

In December 2016, several NFL teams showed interest in Deon. These included the Minnesota Vikings and New England Patriots. The Eskimos allowed him to leave early in January 2017 so he could sign with an NFL team.

Miami Dolphins (First Time: 2017)

On January 10, 2017, Deon Lacey signed a contract with the Miami Dolphins. This type of contract is called a "reserve/future" contract. It means he would join the team for the next season. However, he was released by the Dolphins on September 2, 2017.

Buffalo Bills (First Time: 2017–2018)

The very next day, on September 3, 2017, the Buffalo Bills picked up Deon Lacey. This is called being "claimed off waivers." He was released by the Bills in October but then re-signed a day later. He finished the 2017 season with nine tackles.

In February 2019, he signed a new one-year contract with the Bills. He played in all four preseason games that year, making 18 tackles. However, he was released again by the Bills on August 31, 2019.

Miami Dolphins (Second Time: 2019)

On September 1, 2019, Deon Lacey was again "claimed off waivers" by the Miami Dolphins.

Saskatchewan Roughriders (First Time: 2020)

Deon Lacey signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL on May 21, 2020. However, the 2020 CFL season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Deon chose to "opt-out" of his contract on August 25, 2020. This meant he could leave the team.

Buffalo Bills (Second Time: 2020)

On September 17, 2020, Deon Lacey joined the Buffalo Bills again. This time, he was signed to their "practice squad." Players on the practice squad train with the team but don't usually play in games. He was temporarily moved to the main team for two games in September. He then returned to the practice squad. On October 12, 2020, he was promoted to the active roster. He was released again on October 27 but re-signed to the practice squad the next day. He was released from the practice squad on January 1, 2021.

Saskatchewan Roughriders (Second Time: 2021)

Deon Lacey re-signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders on June 15, 2021.

Edmonton Elks (2022)

Deon Lacey returned to the Edmonton Elks (formerly the Eskimos) on February 8, 2022. He signed with them as a free agent.