Simoni Lawrence has announced his retirement from the CFL and has accepted a position with the Hamilton Sports Group as a brand and community ambassador.
The 35-year-old has finished his career with 742 defensive tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 35 sacks, 36 pass knockdowns, 15 interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, and 11 fumble recoveries over 169 CFL, including 154 with the Tiger-Cats. He was a three-time CFL all-star, five-time East Division all-star, and three-time East Division Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
Over his 10 seasons in Hamilton, Lawrence played 13 playoff games, including six East Finals and four Grey Cups. The native of Upper Darby, Penn. is the team’s all-time leader in total tackles, defensive tackles, and single-game tackles. He also ranks tenth all-time league-wide in defensive tackles.
“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,” said president of football operations Orlondo Steinauer in a statement.
“He has an infectious personality and a pure love for the game of football, which extended beyond the field of play where he was genuinely willing to give back consistently to the Hamilton community. It was an honour to see Simoni grow as a person and to see his relentless drive and hard work pay off as he achieved amazing things for over a decade. Congratulations, Simoni, on your Hall of Fame career.”
Lawrence participated in over 500 community events throughout his playing career and dedicated thousands of hours to charitable causes. Fans will have the opportunity to join him at his retirement party on the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 21 at Tim Hortons Field.
“I’m not a businessman, I’m a business, man. So let me handle my business -damn.”🥲🤩 Hamilton is my forever home. I am forever grateful; thank you. Simoni Lawrence is now Open for business lets work!!! #TheGraduation21 #HOV #Godschild pic.twitter.com/wKLoy9M01t
— Simoni Lawrence (@Simoni_Lawrence) February 15, 2024
In addition to the video above, Lawrence also released the following statement.
Football has been my passion since I was nine years old and I’m extremely grateful that I was given this gift from God to be able to play for as many years as I did but now it’s time for me to graduate. This game has taken me to so many places but none of those places mean more to me than Hamilton.
Hamilton has felt like home ever since I was traded here back in 2013 and I’m extremely grateful that I was able to spend more than a decade in this great city. Only we truly know what we mean to each other, and I’ve always felt when you support Simoni Lawrence, you support the city of Hamilton and the Tiger-Cats.
Even though my playing days are over, I’m excited to begin my new role as Hamilton Sports Group’s official Brand & Community Ambassador and I look forward to growing and making this city and organization a better place. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and I’m happy I get to call Hamilton my forever home.
I want to thank the organization for believing in me and always having my back for the past 10 years. I want to personally thank Caretaker Bob Young, Scott Mitchell, Coach O, Shawn Burke, Coach Austin, Coach Jones, Coach Washington, Coach Ross and all the other coaches who helped me along the way.
Thank you to Drew and the equipment staff, the medical staff and the strength and conditioning staff who were always taking care of me.
Thank you to the football operations staff, the media relations staff, the in-house kitchen staff and thank you to the business operations staff – I can’t wait to get to know you more! Thank you to our community and corporate partners who I’m looking forward to continuing to work with in my new role.
Thank you to my parents for continuing to push me and not letting me quit when I was nine years old. Thank you to my family, who I’ve been away from for so long for always supporting me while I live out my dream here in Canada. I couldn’t have done this without you.
Finally, thank you Tiger-Cats fans. You are truly the best fans in the CFL and always make Tim Hortons Field the place to be on game days. I cherished all our interactions throughout the years during games, at autograph signings, and at countless events throughout the city. These are moments I’ll never forget and as the official Brand & Community Ambassador, I look forward to creating many more.
Thank you, Hamilton.
