DeMarcus Lawrence, a stalwart of the Dallas Cowboys” defensive line for 11 seasons, is making headlines as he competes for the Lombardi Trophy with the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX. His journey from the Cowboys to the Seahawks has been marked by significant contributions and a strong presence both on and off the field.
Lawrence, affectionately known as “Tank,” shared the story behind his nickname during a 2015 Q&A on the Cowboys” website. He explained, “It originated when I was very young playing outside on the basketball court. One of my friends and I were play fighting and he DDT”d me on my head, so ever since then he would say “I tanked him on his head, I tanked him.” So ever since then, people have been calling me Tank.” This moniker reflects his childhood experiences and his impactful playing style.
His tenure with the Cowboys concluded in 2025 when he signed with the Seahawks as a free agent. His departure was not without controversy; Lawrence made headlines when he stated he knew he “for sure” would not win a Super Bowl with the Cowboys. This prompted a response from Cowboys pass rusher Micah Parsons, who remarked on social media, “This what rejection and envy look like!” Lawrence retorted, “Calling me a clown won”t change the fact that I told the truth. Maybe if you spent less time tweeting and more time winning, I wouldn”t have left.”
Upon joining the Seahawks, Lawrence quickly established himself as a crucial player. In the 2025 regular season, he started all 16 games and recorded 53 tackles, six sacks, and three forced fumbles, returning two of those for touchdowns. His efforts helped propel the Seahawks to the top of the NFC as the number one seed, and now they stand just one win away from capturing a Super Bowl title.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Lawrence has a strong commitment to community service. During his time with the Cowboys, he was nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award in 2024. Expressing pride in the nomination, he credited his father for instilling the importance of helping others. “I really pride myself on my integrity,” Lawrence said. “Just doing the right thing when nobody is looking. I preach that to my family each and every day.” His philanthropic efforts have made a lasting impact in the Dallas community.
In a testament to his legacy, The Dallas Morning News ranked Lawrence as the 69th best player in Cowboys history in a list of the franchise”s top 100 players. Throughout his career with the Cowboys from 2014 to 2024, he amassed 61.5 sacks. Before joining the Cowboys, Lawrence had a standout college career at Boise State, where he recorded impressive statistics, including 120 tackles and 20 sacks over two seasons. However, his path was not without challenges, as he faced multiple suspensions during his college years.
Despite his past, Cowboys officials recognized Lawrence”s potential. Coach Jason Garrett referred to him as the “right kind of guy we want to bring to this football team.” His strong performance has earned him respect and admiration from players and coaches alike, including former Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy, who noted, “D-Law is that same kind of player,” highlighting his ability to excel in both pass rushing and run defense.
As Lawrence prepares for the Super Bowl with the Seahawks, his journey continues to inspire fans and teammates alike, showcasing his resilience and commitment to both the game and his community.
