DeMarcus Lawrence left the Dallas Cowboys after 11 years because he had a greater purpose. He said it from the second he arrived in Seattle: He wanted to win a Super Bowl, and he knew he could do so with the Seattle Seahawks.
Lawrence didn't just settle for being a prophet. He got to work ,and turned back the clock to have one of the best seasons of his career at 33 and after only playing 4 games last season. His defensive contributions proved crucial in hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
That's why his potential retirement was a major concern for Mike Macdonald's team. Ironically, that's also why he knew he couldn't call it quits after just one year. In an interview with the Seahawks, the 12-year veteran revealed one simple reason why he didn't retire: He's still having way too much fun.
The Seattle Seahawks still need DeMarcus Lawrence
"Being able to reach the top and understanding that my body still has more to give, I still have more to give," Lawrence said. "And also, I had the most fun I've ever had playing football last year. So just taking all of that into consideration, knowing what I'd be leaving behind, the chances (of retirement) were very slim."
Admittedly, giving 33-year-old DeMarcus Lawrence a three-year, $32.5 million deal was a bold move, especially with him coming off a season-ending foot injury. However, he was as efficient as in his prime, suiting up for 16 regular-season games and logging 53 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, 6.0 sacks (his most in four years), 3 forced fumbles, 1 pass defensed, 3 fumble recoveries, and 2 defensive touchdowns. That granted him the fifth Pro Bowl selection of his career.
With Aden Durde's heavy pass rusher rotations, the Seahawks don't even need Lawrence to be out there half of the time. That can help him avoid injury, stay fresh, and maybe even play through his entire three-year deal with the Seahawks.
Lawrence hasn't been in Seattle for long, but the fan base has already embraced him as much as he's embraced his veteran leadership role on the team. He even helped them recruit another former Dallas Cowboys star, Dante Fowler Jr., to ensure the team is in a good position while he's no longer there.
The Seahawks' defense is absolutely stacked, and chances are they could've probably gotten by if Lawrence had decided to walk away. Perhaps they would've also done bigger efforts to keep Boye Mafe in town.
However, just because a team can win without someone doesn't mean they're better without that guy. Yes, Lawrence needed the Seahawks to finally fulfill his dream of winning a Super Bowl, but the Seahawks also needed his ability to set the edge and keep the quarterback on his toes to go the distance.
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