| Birth Date: | 5 October 1946 |
| Birth Place: | Bessemer, Alabama |
| Number: | 30, 34, 38, 36 |
| Position1: | Running back |
| Height Ft: | 6 |
| Height In: | 2 |
| Weight Lb: | 230 |
| College: | Alcorn State |
| Playing Years1: | 1969 |
| Playing Team1: | Detroit Lions |
| Playing Years2: | 1970–1972 |
| Playing Team2: | Philadelphia Eagles |
| Playing Years3: | 1973–1974 |
| Playing Team3: | Buffalo Bills |
| Playing Years4: | 1975–1977 |
| Playing Team4: | New York Giants |
| Nfl: | WAT240427 |
| Databasefootball: | WATKILAR01 |
Lawrence Watkins (born October 5, 1946 in Bessemer, Alabama) is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Buffalo Bills, and the New York Giants. He played college football at Alcorn State University.
After college, Watkins was signed as a free agent by the Detroit Lions in 1969. In 1970, the Lions traded him to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he served as a reserve for three years.[1]
In 1973, Watkins started the first nine games of the season at fullback for the Bills. In that role, he extensively blocked for O. J. Simpson, who put up 2,003 yards, a season rushing record. After the first nine games, Watkins was demoted in favor of Jim Braxton. Overall, Watkins finished 1973 with 414 yards gained across 98 carries and two touchdowns.
In 1974, Watkins injured his ankle in the final pre-season exhibition game. As a result, he received only limited playing time in the regular season. The Bills then traded him to the Giants in exchange for a draft pick.
Watkins played for the Giants from 1975 through 1977. The New York Times called him a "steady capable reserve" in 1975 and 1976.[2] The Giants waived him in late September 1977.[3] The team needed space on its roster to pick up an additional defensive end after George Martin was injured in the first game of the season. However, in October 1977 Watkins returned to the team.
As of October 1977, Watkins lived in Mt. Laurel, NJ with his wife and two children. Outside of football, he worked as a schoolteacher.