Super Bowl champion DeMarcus Lawrence reveals sudden career decision

Seattle Seahawks defensive star DeMarcus Lawrence has revealed that the 2026 NFL season will be the final year of his career. Lawrence told Jori Epstein that he plans to retire after the upcoming season, bringing an end to a remarkable 13-year NFL career. The decision comes just months after Lawrence finally accomplished something he had been chasing throughout his career: winning a Super Bowl. MORE: NFL top 5 richest teams in 2026 From second-round pick to NFL star October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (90) after the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Lawrence entered the NFL after playing at Butler Community College before transferring to Boise State. The Dallas Cowboys selected him 34th overall in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft. After a relatively quiet rookie season, Lawrence broke out in 2015 with 8.0 sacks. He then established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive linemen, earning back-to-back Pro Bowl selections in 2017 and 2018 after recording 14.5 sacks and 10.5 sacks, respectively. Over the course of his 11 seasons with Dallas, Lawrence became known for much more than getting to the quarterback. He developed into an elite run defender and one of the most dependable edge setters in football. He finished his Cowboys career with 61.5 sacks, ranking 10th in franchise history. MORE: Rating every NFL game on the Monday Night Football schedule in 2026 Lawrence finally gets his Super Bowl ring Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence (0) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Lawrence joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2025, looking for the championship that had eluded him during his time in Dallas. He didn’t have to wait long. Lawrence helped Seattle win Super Bowl LX, producing six sacks, 11 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles during the regular season while earning his fifth Pro Bowl selection. He also made significant plays during Seattle’s postseason run. Now, Lawrence gets one final opportunity to defend that championship before walking away from the game. After 13 seasons, five Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl championship, Lawrence will have one last season to add to his legacy. And what better way to finish than by attempting to win another Lombardi Trophy? — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —