Hamilton Tiger-Cats legend and fan favourite Simoni Lawrence is hanging it up after 11 seasons with the Canadian Football League.
A statistical leader in multiple categories for the franchise and community ambassador, having participated in over 500 individual events, the 35-year-old Lawrence confirmed his decision at a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
The Upper Darby, Pennsylvania native appeared in 169 games in Canada, including 154 with the Tiger-Cats.
Lawrence said the reason Hamilton and the Ticats “clicked so well” and resulted in a lengthy tenure was due to the city’s similarities to his hometown.
“The people are very similar,” he said.
“You guys ever go on vacation, go to Upper Darby, and you’ll feel right at home.”
The linebacker admits he went through “every single emotion” during his recent free agency before coming to a final decision to call it quits.
“It’s a young man’s sport for sure … I’m extremely blessed to be able to play football for as long as I did for Hamilton,” said Lawrence.
“For ten years (and) not really get any major injuries and stuff … you gotta know when to hold ’em and fold ’em.”
Lawrence holds franchise records for total tackles (734), defensive tackles (727) and single-game tackles (17).
His 742 career defensive tackles ranks 10th in CFL history.
Lawrence is a three-time CFL All-Star (2015, ’19, ’21), a five-time CFL East Division All-Star (2014-16, ’19, ’21) and was named the East Division’s nominee for Most Outstanding Defensive Player three times (2015, ’19, ’21).
“Simoni embodies what it means to be a Hamilton Tiger-Cat. He was a fierce competitor in practice and on game days who will surely be remembered as one of the all-time greats.” Orlondo Steinauer, President of Football Operations of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats said in a statement Thursday morning.
Lawrence said not having won a Grey Cup did make it difficult to walk away but harkened back to a time when National Basketball Association legend Charles Barkley retired in 2000 after failing to win a championship.
He said comradery with teammates and many players in the league represents the biggest takeaway amid his departure.
“The bonds you create with the guys, the relationships you create with the coaches, and just like all the different players around the league,” he recalled.
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