| Justin Lawler | |
| Number: | 53 |
| Position: | Linebacker |
| Birth Date: | 23 December 1994 |
| Birth Place: | Pottsboro, Texas, U.S. |
| Height Ft: | 6 |
| Height In: | 4 |
| Weight Lb: | 265 |
| High School: | Pottsboro |
| College: | SMU |
| Draftyear: | 2018 |
| Draftround: | 7 |
| Draftpick: | 244 |
| Pastteams: | |
| Highlights: | |
| Statleague: | NFL |
| Statlabel1: | Total tackles |
| Statvalue1: | 7 |
Justin Blaine Lawler (born December 23, 1994) is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at SMU.
Lawler attended Pottsboro High School in Pottsboro, Texas. He is related to Los Angeles Clippers Hall of Fame commentator Ralph Lawler.[1]
While only ranked as a two-star prospect from Texas, Lawler's first-team all-state selection (124 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, 13 sacks; 44 catches, 719 yards, 11 touchdowns receiving) portended a good career at SMU. The former high school power lifter was ready to play right away, earning time in all 12 games as a true freshman (23 tackles) and getting some time on offense (three-yard touchdown, two-point conversion). Lawler earned the starting job as a sophomore, lining up for every game and leading the Mustangs with 64 tackles, nine for loss while compiling five sacks. His break-out season came in 2016, garnering first-team American Athletic Conference accolades, racking up 65 stops and leading the team with 15 tackles for loss and six sacks. Lawler gained first-team all-conference recognition as a senior, as well, racking up 74 tackles, 15.5 for loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and three blocked kicks for the Mustangs.[2]
Lawler was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round (244th overall) of the 2018 NFL draft.[3] During his rookie year in 2018, Lawler played in six games and recorded six tackles.
On September 2, 2019, Lawler was placed on injured reserve after undergoing foot surgery.[4]
On September 5, 2020, Lawler was waived/injured during final roster cuts by the Rams,[5] and subsequently reverted to the team's injured reserve list the next day.[6]
On August 31, 2021, Lawler was waived by the Rams and re-signed to the practice squad the next day.[7] Lawler won his first Super Bowl ring when the Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI.[8]
On February 23, 2022, Lawler signed with the Tennessee Titans.[9] He was released on August 22, 2022.[10]