DeMarcus Lawrence Sparks Rivalry with Ambitious Super Bowl Aspirations
Seattle’s DeMarcus Lawrence, a seasoned edge rusher, is no stranger to the Pro Bowl. During his illustrious tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, he earned four Pro Bowl selections, achieving back-to-back honors in both 2017-2018 and 2022-2023. Now, at 33 years old and recovering from a significant injury that prematurely ended his 2024 season, the Pro Bowl recognition carries a unique flavor for Lawrence. Yet, in his inaugural season with the Seattle Seahawks, he is on a quest for a prize that eluded him in Dallas: a Super Bowl championship.
A Chance at Glory in Seattle
As the Seahawks position themselves for a potential top seed in the NFC, Lawrence is poised for the opportunity he envisioned when he signed with the team during the offseason. In a press conference held on Christmas Eve, he articulated his expectations for joining Seattle, stating he aimed to be part of a “Super Bowl team.” This bold declaration ruffled feathers, particularly with former teammate Micah Parsons, who found Lawrence’s comments somewhat unsettling.
Parsons, who was traded to the Green Bay Packers shortly thereafter, has watched the unfolding season with keen interest. As of now, the Seahawks control the NFC’s top seed, while the Cowboys have been eliminated from postseason contention. It’s difficult to argue against Lawrence’s assertions, given the current trajectory of both teams.
Reflecting on a Career of Near Misses
Lawrence’s career in Dallas was marked by individual success, accumulating 61.5 sacks over eleven seasons. However, the elusive playoff success has been a glaring omission from his resume. Despite being part of teams that won playoff games in 2014, 2018, and 2022, Lawrence never advanced past the divisional round. The 2016 Cowboys, who boasted the #1 seed, were unceremoniously ousted by the Green Bay Packers in a heartbreaking defeat.
Should Seattle secure the top seed and win just one playoff game, Lawrence would surpass his previous playoff accomplishments. Achieving another victory would bring him closer than ever to the Super Bowl experience he has long sought.
The Boldness of His Claim
Lawrence’s declaration comes in the context of Seattle’s recent struggles; the franchise has not made a Super Bowl appearance since the 2014 season and missed the playoffs for two consecutive years prior to this one. His confidence in the team’s potential could be seen as audacious, yet the numbers speak volumes about his impact. With stellar performances against the run, five sacks, 37 pressures, and two defensive touchdowns, Lawrence has been integral to Seattle’s success this season.
While his Pro Bowl selection might have been viewed as unconventional, it is a testament to his contributions. In his press conference, Lawrence expressed enthusiasm for the recognition, which earned him a $500,000 bonus. However, the prospect of a deep playoff run—something he never experienced in Dallas—seems to ignite his passion even more. With a few more victories on the horizon, Lawrence stands on the brink of achieving the ultimate goal he set out for when he joined the Seahawks.
As he continues to make an indelible mark on his new team, Lawrence’s aspirations not only highlight his personal journey but also the fierce competitive spirit that fuels the NFL landscape.
