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 Hamilton Tiger-Cats

East Division Most Outstanding Defensive Player Lawrence Signs Extension with Tiger-Cats

May 31, 2016 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Hamilton Tiger-Cats News Release


The Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Tuesday that the football club has signed international linebacker and reigning East Division Most Outstanding Defensive Player, Simoni Lawrence, to a contract extension through the 2017 CFL season.

"Simoni is an outstanding player with a great work ethic and love for the game that is infectious to everyone around him," said Tiger-Cats Vice President of Football Operations and Head Coach Kent Austin. "He embodies the qualities we look for in a football player and we're very pleased he will be a Tiger-Cat through 2017."

Lawrence, who was named the East Division's Most Outstanding Defensive Player and a CFL All-Star and for the first time in his career in 2015, was also named a Divisional All-Star for the second consecutive campaign. He contributed across the board for Hamilton's defence last season, starting in all 18 games at linebacker and recording career highs in defensive tackles (80) and sacks (5), while adding two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble.

The 6-1, 228-pound native of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, has appeared in 61-career CFL games (46 starts) with the Edmonton Eskimos (2012) and Tiger-Cats (2013-15), registering 225 defensive tackles, 11 tackles for loss, nine quarterback sacks, seven interceptions, seven forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, seven pass knock downs and 15 special teams tackles. He has also seen action in eight playoff games, including two Grey Cup appearances in 2013 and 2014 with Hamilton.

Lawrence, a product of the University of Minnesota, was originally acquired by the Tiger-Cats on February 5, 2013 from the Eskimos along with quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and offensive lineman Greg Wojt in exchange for linebacker Nathan Kanya and offensive lineman Carson Rockhill. Throughout his pro career, he has also spent time with five NFL teams, including the St. Louis Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings.


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