Carl Lawson Bio
Carl Lawson is an American professional football linebacker born on June 29, 1995, in Alpharetta, Georgia. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and listed at 260 pounds, Lawson has built his reputation as a pass-rushing defensive end who transitioned into a linebacker role at the professional level. He played college football for the Auburn Tigers from 2013 to 2016, earning First-team All-American and First-team All-SEC honors in his final season.
Selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2017 NFL Draft, Lawson has since suited up for the New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Ravens. Through the 2025 season, he has recorded 135 total tackles, 32 sacks, four forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery, establishing himself as a durable and productive edge defender.
Early Life and Background
Carl Lawson grew up in Alpharetta, Georgia, a suburb north of Atlanta, and attended Milton High School in nearby Milton, Georgia. He quickly emerged as one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the state, using a combination of length, strength, and burst that made him a nightmare for opposing offensive tackles.
As a junior at Milton, Lawson posted 87 tackles and 15 sacks, numbers that signaled his arrival on the national recruiting scene. He followed that performance with an even more impressive senior campaign, recording 78 tackles and 27 sacks. By the end of his high school career, he had established himself as a consensus five-star recruit and one of the top overall prospects in his class.
Lawson chose to continue his football career at Auburn University, where the Tigers had a strong tradition of producing NFL defensive linemen. His blend of production and physical tools made him one of the most sought-after recruits in the country, and his commitment to Auburn signaled the beginning of what many hoped would be a long professional career.
Path to American Football
Lawson’s path to the NFL began in earnest when he arrived at Auburn in 2013 as a true freshman. He wasted little time making an impact, recording 20 tackles and four sacks during his first collegiate season. His quick adaptation to the college game suggested that the physical tools he displayed in high school would translate to the next level.
Unfortunately, his momentum was temporarily halted in 2014, when he missed his entire sophomore season after suffering a torn ACL. The injury was the first major setback of his career and forced him to spend a year rebuilding his body and his confidence. Despite the lost season, Lawson remained committed to his development and returned to the field in 2015.
As a junior in 2015, Lawson appeared in only seven games because of additional injuries, finishing the year with 17 tackles and one sack. While the statistical totals were modest, his flashes of dominance reminded scouts of his five-star pedigree. By the time he entered his senior season in 2016, Lawson was healthy and playing with a renewed sense of purpose.
Carl Lawson Career
Early Career (2013–2016)
Lawson’s early career at Auburn was defined by both promise and perseverance. After a productive freshman campaign and a lost sophomore year due to a torn ACL, he battled through injuries again in 2015 before finally putting together a complete season in 2016. That senior year became the cornerstone of his draft stock, as he dominated offensive linemen with his quick first step and powerful hands.
His 2016 performance earned him First-team All-American and First-team All-SEC honors, cementing his status as one of the top defensive end prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft. Scouts praised his motor, his ability to bend around the edge, and his scheme versatility, all of which made him an attractive target for teams seeking pass-rushing help.
NFL Breakthrough with Cincinnati Bengals (2017–2020)
The Cincinnati Bengals selected Lawson in the fourth round, 116th overall, of the 2017 NFL Draft. Although he was not a first-round pick, he quickly proved that he belonged in the league. As a rookie, Lawson played in all 16 games and made one start, finishing with 16 tackles and 8.5 sacks. His sack total led all NFL rookies that season and ranked second on the Bengals behind only veteran Geno Atkins.
For his strong debut, Lawson was named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team, validating Cincinnati’s decision to invest a draft pick in him. In 2018, however, his progress was halted by another torn ACL, this time ending his season in Week 8. He was placed on injured reserve on November 5, 2018, and spent the next year rehabbing and preparing for a return.
New York Jets Era (2021–2023)
On March 18, 2021, Lawson signed a three-year, $45 million contract with the New York Jets, a deal that reflected his potential as a premier edge rusher. The Jets envisioned him as a foundational piece of their defense, pairing him with young talent to anchor their pass rush for years to come.
Tragically, his Jets career was derailed before it ever truly began. During a joint practice with the Green Bay Packers on August 19, 2021, Lawson suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in his left leg, an injury confirmed by MRI and one that ended his 2021 season. The setback was another chapter in a career that had already featured significant injury challenges, but Lawson continued to work toward a comeback.
Dallas Cowboys Era (2024)
On August 19, 2024, Lawson signed with the Dallas Cowboys, joining a team known for its aggressive defensive front. He was released on August 27 but quickly re-signed to the practice squad, keeping him within the organization. On October 9, Lawson was promoted to the active roster, giving him an opportunity to contribute as a rotational pass rusher.
His time in Dallas demonstrated his value as a veteran edge presence, even as injuries continued to limit his availability. The Cowboys provided Lawson with a platform to showcase his experience and leadership, and he contributed to a defensive line that relied on depth and rotation to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Baltimore Ravens Era (2025)
On October 23, 2025, Lawson signed with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad, joining one of the most respected defensive organizations in the NFL. The Ravens have long been known for their ability to develop and deploy pass rushers, and Lawson added experienced depth to a unit already featuring several young standouts.
He was released on December 9, 2025, concluding his brief tenure in Baltimore. Even in a limited role, Lawson continued to demonstrate the work ethic and professionalism that have defined his career since his arrival in the NFL.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Carl Lawson’s most notable achievements is his 2017 PFWA All-Rookie Team selection, which followed a season in which his 8.5 sacks led all rookies. He has also earned First-team All-American and First-team All-SEC honors from his 2016 college campaign at Auburn. Surviving two torn ACL injuries and a ruptured Achilles tendon to continue playing at the NFL level stands as one of the most remarkable aspects of his professional journey.
Carl Lawson Career Wins
Carl Lawson’s win totals reflect a career spent primarily as a rotational pass rusher rather than a full-time starter, and verified figures are limited. His statistical milestones are centered on his 8.5 sacks as a rookie with Cincinnati, his Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie Team selection in 2017, and his career totals of 135 tackles and 32 sacks through the 2025 season.
Carl Lawson Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Carl Lawson comes from an athletic family with international sporting connections. His grand-uncle is sprinter Carl Lawson, who was selected to represent Jamaica at the 1972 Summer Olympics. The family legacy of competitive excellence has been a quiet but meaningful influence throughout Carl’s own athletic journey.
Personal Life
Lawson met Olympic discus thrower Rachel Dincoff while attending Auburn University, and the two began a relationship that connected two elite athletes. Both Lawson and Dincoff have continued their professional sporting careers since their time at Auburn, and their shared athletic background has been a notable part of his personal story.
2025 Season Performance
Carl Lawson’s 2025 season began without a team, as he entered the year as a free agent following his release from the Dallas Cowboys’ active roster at the end of the previous campaign. His veteran experience and pass-rushing pedigree kept him in demand, and on October 23, 2025, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad. The move gave him an opportunity to work within one of the league’s most respected defensive organizations.
His tenure in Baltimore was short-lived, as he was released on December 9, 2025, after just under two months with the organization. Although his time on the active roster was limited, Lawson’s availability and willingness to contribute on the practice squad reflected his ongoing commitment to continuing his NFL career. As he looks beyond 2025, his combination of experience, leadership, and proven pass-rushing ability should keep him on the radar of teams seeking veteran edge depth.