The Seattle Seahawks are set to begin their Super Bowl defense with plenty of memories from last season still fresh. Seattle capped that run by lifting the Lombardi Trophy against the New England Patriots, and the team now gets its first opportunity to start another title chase.
The defending champions will host the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, Aug. 15, with Mike Macdonald hoping to do something that has become increasingly rare in the modern NFL.
A second straight Super Bowl title won't come easy, and Seattle will have plenty working against that pursuit as the season unfolds, and one of those factors emerged this week.
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
DeMarcus Lawrence has revealed that the 2026 season will be his last in the NFL. NFL reporter Jori Epstein shared the news Friday, with Lawrence set to enter his 13th year in the league.
The Seahawks defensive end is coming off a productive season that ended with a championship, though the decision to walk away wasn't simple. Jori also suggested that his wife, Sasha, and their six children remain in Dallas, and Lawrence considered retirement this spring before deciding to return for one more year.
"It was a tough process," Lawrence said. "But through the grace of God, I'm able to play another year and soak it all up one more good time before I hang it up."
After battling injuries during his final season in Dallas, Lawrence stayed healthy throughout 2025 and settled into a routine that helped him recover and perform at a high level.
He finished the regular season with six sacks, three forced fumbles and recoveries, and 20 quarterback hits, then added three more forced fumbles in the playoffs.
Over 12 seasons with the Cowboys and Seahawks, Lawrence has recorded 309 solo tackles, 194 assists, 67.5 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries and two interceptions, along with five Pro Bowl selections.
