DeMarcus Lawrence Fires Back at Seahawks Doubters: “This Is My Prove-It Year”
The Seattle Seahawks made waves this offseason when they brought in former Dallas Cowboys star DeMarcus Lawrence, a move designed to bolster their pass rush and bring veteran leadership to a young defense. But almost immediately, questions began swirling around whether Lawrence, nicknamed “Tank,” would truly fit into Seattle’s defensive scheme.
Analysts have pointed to the Seahawks’ hybrid fronts and shifting responsibilities as potential roadblocks for Lawrence, who has spent the bulk of his career thriving in Dallas’ 4–3 system. Some skeptics wonder if his best years are already behind him. Others question whether his style will translate into consistent production in the Pacific Northwest.
But Lawrence isn’t buying into the doubt. Instead, he’s firing back with the confidence of a seasoned veteran who has nothing left to fear.
“IF I DON’T FIT HERE, THEN WHO DOES? THIS IS MY PROVE-IT YEAR.” — DeMarcus Lawrence
It’s the kind of statement that turns heads — bold, unapologetic, and dripping with determination. For Lawrence, this isn’t just another stop in a long NFL career; it’s a chance to silence the critics and show he still belongs among the league’s most feared defenders.
Teammates in Seattle have already spoken highly of his presence in the locker room. Young players describe him as a mentor, while coaches point to his professionalism and relentless motor. On the field, Lawrence’s impact may go beyond sacks and stats; his ability to draw double teams could open opportunities for the Seahawks’ younger edge rushers to shine.
Still, the pressure is undeniable. Seattle’s defense has been searching for its next great identity since the “Legion of Boom” era faded. Signing Lawrence was a statement — but if he doesn’t deliver, the gamble could backfire. Opposing quarterbacks in the NFC West aren’t getting any easier to contain, and the Seahawks can’t afford to misfire on one of their biggest offseason additions.
For Lawrence, though, the path forward is clear: embrace the doubt, lean into the criticism, and prove everyone wrong. His words echo a man who knows this season could define his legacy. In Dallas, he built a reputation as a force of nature; in Seattle, he hopes to cement himself as the missing piece in a defense desperate for resurgence.
Whether the critics are silenced or emboldened will come down to Sundays this fall. But one thing is certain — DeMarcus Lawrence isn’t running from the noise. He’s walking straight into it, ready to prove that the Tank still has plenty of fuel left.
AFC Notes: J.K. Dobbins, Bo Nix, Broncos, Chargers
Broncos
Bo Nix is entering the second year of his career after his breakout rookie campaign in 2024. Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning is confident Nix is “made of the right stuff” to continue being a highly successful quarterback.
“Bo is made of the right stuff. He’s a little bit older, carries himself the right way. And all of it should help as he moves forward in his career,” Manning said, via Troy Renck of the Denver Post. “I am just happy that Bo is the established starter. For a number of years, they had quarterback competitions. That’s hard on the receivers, the coaches, the play-caller, and the quarterback. Now, they’ve got their guy.”
Manning thinks Nix showed talent beyond his years as a rookie.
“I just don’t see that as being a big factor for him. Rookie quarterbacks are supposed to struggle, and then the game slows down. But, it sure looked like it slowed down a lot for him last year,” Manning said. “Like with C.J. Stroud, Bo didn’t play like a rookie. … I believe experience is the best teacher, and he got great experience last year.”
Manning added that playing under Sean Payton for a second season should be beneficial for Nix.
“The continuity, more than anything else. There are times when guys go into their second year, and they are going on their third coordinator,” Manning said. “He has an experienced head coach in Sean, who is his play-caller. Having that same voice and verbiage is so critical. We expect Sean to be here for a long time, so Bo will use that to his advantage.”
Broncos
Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins had a resurgence in his career after missing 2022 with a knee injury and 2023 with a torn Achilles. His surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, said he grew a close relationship with Dobbins and praised him for his perseverance.
“I can’t say enough about him,” ElAttrache said, via Luca Evans of The Denver Post. “I mean, he’s the kind of guy that I would like to have as a friend forever. He’s that kind of person.”
ElAttrache pointed out that damaged ligaments can never return to their previous health, but Dobbins has worked hard on his rehab.
“You never want to expect they’re going to be 22 years old again,” ElAttrache said. “You can’t turn back the clock and go before, when he was that number one (running back) for the Ravens. But, having said that, his performance was still right there.”
Chargers
Chargers DC Jesse Minter still holds on to rejection letters from graduate assistant jobs that he applied to across the country, accumulating 98 in total. Minter said the rejections are a reminder to be grateful for where he is now.
“Because that’s just how I operate,” Minter said, via Daniel Popper of The Athletic. “It’s just that reminder of the joy that it is, the blessing that it is, the opportunity that you have, not to take it for granted and not to ever feel like you’ve arrived.”
Minter said he’s always tried to operate without an ego and build a culture of letting people know their value.
“A lot of coaches have crazy egos, and I think there’s a difference in being confident in yourself and sure of yourself, and then having an ego,” Minter said. “I’ve always tried really, really hard to not have an ego, to really try to build a situation where everybody feels like they have value, where everybody feels like they’re part of the success.”
- Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Chargers RB Najee Harris participated in three-straight practices last week and was cleared for contact on Friday.
