Rashard Lawrence

Rashard Lawrence's Biography

Rashard Lawrence, born on August 27, 1998, has carved out a successful career as an American professional football nose tackle. Lawrence’s journey to being a free agent began in Monroe, Louisiana, at Neville High School. His high school career was stellar enough to earn him an invitation to the prestigious 2016 Under Armour All-America Game. Unfortunately, an injury prevented him from playing that year. Despite this setback, Lawrence was regarded as a five-star recruit and his talent secured him a spot at Louisiana State University (LSU) to play college football.

Emerging onto the college football scene in 2016 as a true freshman at LSU, Lawrence displayed his talent by appearing in nine games and recording six tackles and one sack. This was only the beginning, as his performance earned him a starting position in his sophomore year in 2017. During that season, Lawrence started ten games and finished with an impressive 32 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Lawrence continued his climbing trajectory as a junior in 2018, starting all 13 games and closing the season with an impressive tally of 54 tackles and four sacks. His hard work and exceptional performances didn’t go unnoticed; he was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the 2019 Fiesta Bowl after scripting two sacks during the game.

Lawrence decided to further hone his football skills and returned to LSU for his senior year in 2019, instead of entering the 2019 NFL draft. His college football journey came to an end in 2020, upon being selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round with the 131st overall pick of the NFL Draft. However, his professional journey was interrupted on October 17, 2020, when a calf injury placed him on the injured reserves list. He was subsequently activated on December 1, 2020.

Lawrence started the 2021 season as the Cardinals’ starting nose tackle, however, he was placed on the injured reserve on November 6, 2021, due to another calf injury. A brief respite from the injured roster came two months later on December 13. His 2022 season was shortened by a shoulder injury he suffered in Week 7, landing him on injured reserve again.

On August 29, 2023, Lawrence was released by the Cardinals as part of their final roster cuts before the start of the new season. A few days later, on August 31, Lawrence found a new home with the Miami Dolphins practice squad; however, this arrangement ended on November 7. Lawrence’s journey then led him to the Carolina Panthers practice squad on November 10, 2023. This stint was similarly short-lived, as he was released on November 28. He signed with the Houston Texans practice squad on November 30, 2023 only to be released on January 17, 2024.

Lawrence’s career took a promising turn just a week later, on January 24, 2024, when he signed a futures contract with the Denver Broncos. Unfortunately, the Broncos released him on May 10. Even though he currently stands as a free agent, it’s only a matter of time before Lawrence’s talent, resilience and perseverance lands him in a new team. His story is that of a gritty titan, undeterred by setbacks, relentlessly pushing his limits in the professional football world.