Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Dexter Lawrence

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 6, 2026

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Dexter Lawrence made an impact.

Dexter Lawrence, also known as "Sexy Dexy," is a professional American football nose tackle currently playing for the New York Giants in the NFL. He previously played college football at Clemson University.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Clemson Tigers Defensive Tackle

In 2016, Dexter Lawrence played in 12 games for the Clemson Tigers, recording 55 tackles and five sacks. His five sacks set a Clemson freshman record, earning him the 2016 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

2017: College Football National Championship

In 2017, Dexter Lawrence was part of the Clemson team that defeated Alabama in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship. In the game, he recorded four total tackles.

2019: Drafted by NY Giants

In 2019, Dexter Lawrence injured his leg at the NFL Combine, but was selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft with the 17th overall pick.

2019: Ineligible for College Football Playoff and Enters NFL Draft

In 2019, Dexter Lawrence was ruled ineligible for the College Football Playoff after testing positive for ostarine. Following the season, he decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2019 NFL draft.

2020: NFL Season

In the 2020 season, Dexter Lawrence appeared in 16 games for the Giants, finishing with four sacks and 53 total tackles.

2021: Rough Loss Against Washington Football Team

During Week 2 of the 2021 season, Dexter Lawrence jumped offsides on the final play which led to a loss against the Washington Football Team. In the 2021 season overall, he recorded 2.5 sacks and 54 total tackles.

April 28, 2022: Fifth-Year Option Picked Up

On April 28, 2022, the Giants picked up the fifth-year option on Dexter Lawrence’s rookie contract.

2022: Career Year, Playoffs, Pro Bowl, All-Pro

The 2022 season was a career year for Dexter Lawrence. He recorded 7.5 sacks and 68 tackles. The Giants made the playoffs, and Lawrence was selected to his first Pro Bowl and first All-Pro team.

May 4, 2023: Signed Extension with Giants

On May 4, 2023, Dexter Lawrence signed a four-year, $90 million extension with the New York Giants.

2023: Another Strong Season

During the 2023 season, Dexter Lawrence tied the record for most pressures in a single game by an interior defender. He earned Pro Bowl and second team All-Pro honors and ended the season with 4.5 sacks and 53 total tackles.

2024: Career High Three Sacks and Season Ending Injury

In the 2024 season, Dexter Lawrence recorded a single-game career high of three sacks, but suffered a season ending injury, despite recording nine sacks in only 12 games. He was named to his third Pro Bowl and the 2024 NFLPA All-Pro team.