Cowboys’ DeMarcus Lawrence Steps into Leadership Role Following Micah Parsons’ Departure
FRISCO, TX – With Micah Parsons now with the Cardinals, the Dallas Cowboys are turning to veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence to lead a retooled pass rush. Lawrence, who recorded 10.5 sacks in 2024 despite only seven starts, expressed readiness to embraceโ the increased responsibility,โค drawing on his experience as a โteam leader โขin Washington. “I was doing that inโ Washington when I was leading my team in sacks, so โit ain’tโ nothing new,” Lawrence โstated. “I’m definitely ready to step up. I lead by exampleโฆdominatingโ on the field. That’s how I lead.”
lawrence โwill be supported by Sam Williams, James Houston, Donovan โคEzeiruaku, and Marshawn Kneeland in fillingโ the void left by Parsons.Williams, along with Lawrence, will be key in mentoring the younger players, a role Lawrence previously held during his first stint with the Cowboys. “Micahโฃ was a big leader on theโค fieldโฆbut as โfar as talking to the young guys, I definitely haveโฃ to step up in aโค way on โthe field-just to โshowโ them this is how you โgo about things,” Lawrence explained.
The Cowboys’ pass rush received a important boost with the acquisition of three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark, a move that energized Lawrence. “It broke and crushed my heart when I heard that Micahโค was leaving, but when โขIโค heard that we were getting Kenny Clark,โ I got excited,” he said. Lawrence believes clark’s โpresence will create more opportunities for him and โthe othre edge rushers. “Anytime I have an possibility to go outโ there and showcase who I amโฆI’m โขgonna do that.โค I love it, being able toโ have guys push the pocket and make โขmy job way easier.”
Theโฃ Cowboys’ defensive line now features a โขblend of experience and potential,including Lawrence,aโฃ formerโ first-round pick,and three โsecond-round selections: williams,houston,and Ezeiruaku. โThe team will be tested immediately, facing a bitter rivalโฃ this Thursdayโ night inโข primetime. Lawrence is confident in the group’s ability to step up and maintain a high level of performance despite Parsons’ absence.