Simoni Lawrence has announced her retirement from the CFL and accepted the role of brand and community ambassador for Hamilton Sports Group.
The 35-year-old has 742 defensive tackles, 32 lost tackles, 35 sacks, 36 pass knockdowns, 15 interceptions and 13 in 169 CFL appearances, including 154 with the Tiger-Cats. He finished his career with 11 forced fumbles and 11 fumble recoveries. He was a three-time CFL All-Star, five-time East All-Star and three-time East Defensive Player of the Year.
During his 10 seasons with Hamilton, Lawrence played in 13 playoff games, including six East Finals and four Gray Cups. Originally from Upper Darby, Pennsylvania. He is the team’s all-time leader in total tackles, defensive tackles and tackles per game. He also ranks 10th all-time in the league in defensive tackles.
“Simoni embodies what it means to be a Hamilton Tabby. He is a fierce competitor in practice and on match day and will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time. ” President of Football Operations Ollond Steinauer said in a statement.
“He had an infectious personality and a genuine love for the game of football that transcended beyond the field of play and a genuine desire to consistently contribute to the Hamilton community. Simoni It has been an honor to watch him grow as a person and see his tireless drive and hard work pay off over more than a decade, achieving amazing results. Congratulations Simoni on your induction into the Hall of Fame.”
Throughout his playing career, Lawrence participated in more than 500 community events and dedicated thousands of hours to philanthropy. Fans will have the opportunity to attend his retirement party at Tim Hortons Field on Wednesday night, February 21st.
“I’m not a businessman, I’m a businessman. So leave my job to me – damn it.” 🥲🤩 Hamilton is my forever home. I am forever grateful. thank you. Simoni Lawrence is now open, come to work!!! #Graduation21 #HOV #child of God pic.twitter.com/wKLoy9M01t
— Simoni Lawrence (@Simoni_Lawrence) February 15, 2024
In addition to the video above, Lawrence also released the following statement:
Soccer has been my passion since I was 9 years old and I am so grateful for the gift from God that I have been able to continue playing soccer for so many years, but the time has come for me to graduate. This game has taken me to many places, but no place means more to me than Hamilton.
Hamilton has felt like home since I was traded here in 2013 and I am extremely grateful to have spent over 10 years in this wonderful city. Only we truly know what we mean to each other. And I’ve always felt that when you support Simoni Lawrence, you support the City of Hamilton and the Tiger-Cats.
Although my playing days are over, I am excited to begin my new role as Hamilton Sports Group’s official brand and community ambassador and look forward to growing and making our city and organization a better place. I am so grateful for this opportunity and happy to call Hamilton my forever home.
I would like to thank the organization that believed in me and always supported me over the past 10 years. I would like to thank my administrators Bob Young, Scott Mitchell, Coach Oh, Sean Burke, Coach Austin, Coach Jones, Coach Washington, Coach Ross, and everyone else who has helped me along the way. I would like to personally thank my coach.
I would like to thank Drew and the equipment staff, medical staff, and strength and conditioning staff for their continued care.
Thank you to our football operations staff, media relations staff, in-house kitchen staff and business operations staff. I can’t wait to get to know you all! Thank you to our community and corporate partners with whom I look forward to continuing to work together in my new role.
I would like to thank my parents for encouraging me and not letting me quit when I was 9 years old. I would like to thank my long-lost family for always supporting me while I realized my dreams here in Canada. We couldn’t have done this without you.
Finally, thank you to all the Tiger-Cats fans. You guys really know he’s the best fan in the CFL and Tim Hortons always makes his field the best place to be on game day. I cherished the interactions I had over the years during games, autograph sessions, and countless events around the city. These are moments I will never forget and I look forward to creating many more as an official brand & community ambassador.
Thank you, Hamilton.
