Rashard Lawrence Bio
Rashard Lawrence (born August 27, 1998) is an American professional football nose tackle. He played college football for the Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round of the 2020 National Football League (NFL) draft. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall, Lawrence has spent time with multiple NFL organizations before transitioning to spring football in the United Football League (UFL).
Early Life and Background
Rashard Lawrence was born on August 27, 1998, in Monroe, Louisiana. He grew up in the same city and attended Neville High School, where he developed into one of the most highly recruited defensive linemen in the country. His combination of size, quickness, and strength at the prep level helped him earn national attention from major college football programs.
As a senior at Neville, Lawrence was selected to play in the 2016 Under Armour All-America Game, an annual showcase featuring the top high school prospects in the United States. He was unable to participate in the game due to an injury, but his status as a five-star recruit remained intact. Lawrence committed to LSU to continue his football career at the highest level of college competition.
Path to American Football
Lawrence arrived at LSU in 2016 as a true freshman and quickly worked his way into the defensive rotation. He appeared in nine games during his first season, recording six tackles and one sack while adjusting to the speed and physicality of Southeastern Conference (SEC) play. His early contributions suggested the foundation of a long college career in Baton Rouge.
By his sophomore year in 2017, Lawrence had earned a starting role along the Tigers’ defensive front. He started 10 games and posted 32 tackles with 1.5 sacks, establishing himself as a reliable presence at nose tackle. As a junior in 2018, he started all 13 games and finished the season with 54 tackles and four sacks, showing steady growth as a pass rusher and run defender. He capped that year by being named the Most Valuable Player of the 2019 Fiesta Bowl after recording two sacks.
Rashard Lawrence Career
Early Career (2020–2022)
Lawrence declared for the 2020 NFL draft following his junior season and was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the fourth round with the 131st overall pick. His first professional season was interrupted by a calf injury, as he was placed on injured reserve on October 17, 2020, before being activated on December 1 of that year. He continued to develop within the Cardinals’ defensive scheme as he adjusted to the pro game.
Entering the 2021 season, Lawrence secured the starting nose tackle role for the Arizona Cardinals. His year was again cut short by a calf injury, leading to a stint on injured reserve beginning November 6, 2021, before he was activated on December 13. In 2022, Lawrence suffered a shoulder injury during the seventh week of the season and was placed on injured reserve on October 26. He was released by the Cardinals as part of final roster cuts on August 29, 2023, ending his three-year tenure in Arizona.
NFL Journeyman Period (2023–2024)
After his release from Arizona, Lawrence began a sequence of practice-squad moves that reflected the volatile nature of late-career NFL rosters. He signed with the Miami Dolphins practice squad on August 31, 2023, and was released on November 7. Three days later, on November 10, he was signed by the Carolina Panthers practice squad before being released on November 28.
Lawrence’s travels continued when he signed with the Houston Texans practice squad on November 30, 2023, staying with the organization until January 17, 2024. He then signed a futures contract with the Denver Broncos on January 24, 2024, but was released on May 10, 2024. Through this period, Lawrence appeared in limited regular-season action, with career NFL statistics as of 2023 totaling 30 tackles and one forced fumble.
San Antonio Brahmas and Houston Gamblers Era (2024–Present)
On November 7, 2024, Lawrence signed with the San Antonio Brahmas of the United Football League, transitioning to spring professional football. The move offered him an opportunity to return to a starring role after several reserve and practice-squad stints in the NFL. As of the target year, he remains active with the UFL.
On January 12, 2026, Lawrence signed with the Houston Gamblers of the UFL, where he is currently listed on the active roster. He wears jersey number 90 for the Gamblers and continues to play the nose tackle position that has defined his career since his days at Neville High School.
Driving Style and Strengths
Lawrence is recognized for his strength at the point of attack and his ability to anchor against double teams in the run game. His experience in multiple defensive schemes across the SEC, the Arizona Cardinals, and several NFL practice squads has given him a versatile skill set suited to interior line play.
Notable Events and Milestones
Lawrence was a key contributor on the 2019 LSU Tigers team that won the College Football Playoff National Championship, and he was named second-team All-SEC that same season. His selection as MVP of the 2019 Fiesta Bowl stands as one of the signature achievements of his college career.
Rashard Lawrence Career Wins
As an interior defensive lineman, Rashard Lawrence’s statistical achievements are measured primarily in team championships and individual recognition rather than traditional win totals. His most prominent accomplishment came as a member of the 2019 LSU Tigers, who captured the College Football Playoff National Championship. He was also named second-team All-SEC in 2019, recognizing his performance during that championship season.
LSU Highlights
Lawrence played four seasons at LSU from 2016 through 2019, appearing in bowl games throughout his college career. He was named MVP of the 2019 Fiesta Bowl after a two-sack performance against the UCF Knights. He capped his senior year with a national title and All-SEC honors, closing his college resume as one of the most decorated interior linemen in program history.
Other Wins and Performances
Throughout his professional career, Lawrence has been credited with 30 total tackles and one forced fumble in the NFL as of the 2023 season. His postseason opportunities at the professional level have been limited due to injury and roster turnover, but his spring league role with the Brahmas and Gamblers has provided a platform for continued on-field contributions.
Rashard Lawrence Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Public details about Rashard Lawrence’s parents and extended family have not been widely reported. His roots in Monroe, Louisiana, and his development at Neville High School remain the most documented elements of his personal background.
Personal Life
Lawrence has kept much of his personal life private. He is known to have grown up in Monroe, Louisiana, and his career has carried him through several states, including Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and Colorado. He maintains an active presence on social media, including a verified account on the platform X under the handle @rashardlawrence.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 UFL season, Rashard Lawrence was rostered with the San Antonio Brahmas, where he served as a veteran presence along the interior defensive line. The spring season offered him an opportunity to play a featured role after several years in reserve and practice-squad positions across the NFL. His familiarity with nose tackle responsibilities made him a steady contributor for the Brahmas’ defensive rotation.
On January 12, 2026, Lawrence signed with the Houston Gamblers, signaling a new chapter in his professional career. The move placed him back in his home state of Texas, where he is expected to compete for a starting role along the defensive front. His experience in high-profile environments, including a College Football Playoff National Championship run, positions him as a potential leader in the Gamblers’ locker room.
Looking ahead, Lawrence’s outlook centers on continuing his professional career in spring football while remaining available for NFL opportunities. His combination of SEC pedigree, national championship experience, and recent professional versatility make him a valuable addition to the Houston Gamblers as the UFL season unfolds.