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DeMarcus Lawrence to Retire After 2026 Season

ESPN NFL •
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DeMarcus Lawrence, the Seattle Seahawks' outside linebacker, confirmed his 13th NFL season will be his last. He shared this news with Yahoo Sports, reflecting on his career after the team's Super Bowl LX victory. Lawrence, 34, had considered retiring after his time with the Dallas Cowboys but joined the Seahawks in March 2024, becoming a cornerstone of their top-ranked defense. He recorded 67.5 sacks in 12 seasons and earned a fifth Pro Bowl nod. "It was a tough process," Lawrence said, emphasizing gratitude for one more season. He noted bittersweet feelings about the team’s performance, acknowledging they should have reached further last year. His remarks highlighted his desire to experience challenges and strengthen team bonds.

Lawrence’s journey includes a second-round draft pick in 2014 from Boise State. Despite playing only four games in 2024 with Dallas, he made an immediate impact in Seattle with six sacks and two defensive touchdowns in 16 regular-season games. His defensive prowess helped Seattle reach the Super Bowl, where he recorded a sack in each of their first two postseason games. The linebacker emphasized his commitment to the team’s "brotherhood" and overcoming obstacles together.

While Lawrence hasn’t explicitly tied his retirement to a specific event, his comments about "staying on top" post-Super Bowl suggest lingering competitive drive. His decision marks the end of an era for the Seahawks, who relied on his leadership. Lawrence’s career statistics and accolades underscore his significance as one of the league’s premier pass rushers.

The announcement aligns with his earlier hints of retirement after the 2021 Super Bowl win. Now, he aims to savor his final season before retiring, balancing reflection with gratitude for his achievements.