The Tiger-Cats have announced that they have re-signed the popular linebacker, Simoni Lawrence. Lawrence has spent nine of his ten-year CFL career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Lawrence’s influence within the Tiger-Cats organization includes:
- His on-field performance.
- Locker-room leadership.
- Community outreach programs connecting the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Hamilton community.
In the Tiger-Cats press release, Head Coach Orlondo Steinauer stated, “It is obvious that Simoni is a remarkable contributor to the organization on and off the field.”
Many have questioned whether or not the Tiger-Cats would offer a new contract to Simoni Lawrence. Earlier this week, reporters asked Coach Steinauer if the Tiger-Cats had plans to re-sign Lawrence. Steinauer had responded that there was a plan to re-sign Lawrence later in the free-agency period. The result was that Tiger-Cats and Lawrence did come to an agreement that allowed Lawrence to continue his career as an icon of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats organization. Steinauer said, “We are excited that Simoni has decided to remain a Hamilton Tiger-Cat for a 10th season.”
Let’s look at the on-field production for the Tiger-Cats leading up to Hamilton re-signing him for another season.
During the 2022 season, Lawrence missed several games due to injuries, but he could play in nine games for Hamilton. During those nine games, he produced 41 tackles, including two for loss. Before the 2022 season, he had been a CFL All-Star (2015, 2019, 2021) and a CFL East Division All-Star (2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2021).
Over nine years, Lawrence has played in 136 games for the Tiger-Cats. He holds Tiger-Cats franchise records for defensive tackles (643) and total tackles (650). In addition, he has accumulated 30 sacks, forced ten fumbles, recovered ten fumbles, 26 pass deflections, 14 interceptions, and three defensive touchdowns.
Lawrence started his CFL career in 2012 with Edmonton, and during that season, he played in 15 games. However, he did produce 15 defensive tackles and 11 special teams tackles before being traded. Edmonton traded Lawrence to Hamilton along with Jeremiah Masoli, with Edmonton receiving Nathan Kanya and the rights to Carson Rockhill in return.
The 34-year-old, 6’1″, 231-pound linebacker is originally from Upper Darby, Pennslyvania. He played college football at the University of Minnesota. During his time in the CFL, he has become an iconic player and is a famous player among the fans of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
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