Shaquille Lawson Bio
Shaquille Lawson is an American professional football defensive end for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). Born on June 17, 1994, in Central, South Carolina, he played college football for the Clemson Tigers. Lawson was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his professional career. Over the years, he has also played for teams including the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, and New York Jets. Notably, Lawson achieved honors such as Consensus All-American and First-team All-ACC during his impactful college football career.
Early Life and Background
Shaquille Lawson attended D. W. Daniel High School in Central, South Carolina, where he excelled in football. During his senior year, he recorded 99 tackles and nine sacks, showcasing his potential as a defensive player. Lawson was rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com and committed to Clemson University to further his football career. After high school, he briefly attended Hargrave Military Academy before joining Clemson.
Path to American Football
At Clemson University, Lawson made an immediate impact on the football team. In his freshman year in 2013, he played in all 13 games, recording 35 tackles and four sacks, which tied the record for the most sacks by a first-year freshman in Clemson history at that time. He continued to improve during his sophomore year, contributing 44 tackles and 3.5 sacks. Lawson became a starter in his junior year, where he solidified his reputation as a top defensive player.
Shaquille Lawson Career
Early Career (2016-2019)
Shaquille Lawson was drafted by the Buffalo Bills as the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team, which included a significant signing bonus. However, his rookie season was marred by injury, as he underwent shoulder surgery shortly after being drafted and spent part of the season on the reserve list. Despite this setback, he recorded his first NFL sack against the New England Patriots in Week 8 of his rookie year. In 2017, Lawson started 10 of the 11 games he played, recording 33 tackles and four sacks. He faced another injury in 2017 but bounced back to have a productive 2018 season, finishing with 30 combined tackles and four sacks.
Breakthrough (2020-2021)
In March 2020, Lawson signed a three-year contract with the Miami Dolphins, marking a new chapter in his career. He made an immediate impact, recording his first sack as a Dolphin against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4. Notably, he scored a touchdown by recovering a fumble and returning it for a score against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 9. In March 2021, Lawson was traded to the Houston Texans, where he continued to showcase his skills. Later that year, he was traded to the New York Jets, but his time with the Jets was short-lived as he was released before the season finale.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, Shaquille Lawson has been recognized for his defensive prowess, earning accolades such as Consensus All-American and First-team All-ACC during his college years. His ability to make plays on the field has made him a valuable asset to each team he has played for.
Shaquille Lawson Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Shaquille Lawson has received recognition for his performances, particularly during his college years, where he was honored as a Consensus All-American and First-team All-ACC.
Shaquille Lawson Awards Won
Shaquille Lawson has achieved notable awards during his football career, including being named a Consensus All-American and First-team All-ACC in 2015 for his outstanding performance at Clemson University.
Shaquille Lawson Family
Shaquille Lawson’s father tragically passed away in a car accident during Lawson’s junior year of high school. This loss had a profound impact on him, influencing his decision to attend Clemson University to stay close to his family. His younger brother, Jahiem Lawson, is also involved in football and plays at Clemson.
Personal Life
Shaquille Lawson has faced personal challenges, including the loss of his father, which shaped his journey in football. He has expressed a desire to support his family and has remained connected to his roots throughout his career. As of now, there are no public details regarding his marital status or children.