Say what you want about the New York Giants roster, but there has been a massive shift in the team’s culture across the past few years thanks to Brian Daboll. Between the nightmare stories about Joe Judge trying to be Bill Belichick 2.0 and Ben McAdoo’s rapid downfall, it has been a breath of fresh air for Big Blue supporters to have a coach who instills confidence in his players and has a vote of confidence from the locker room.
One of the players who helped build the new foundation is defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. While Lawrence has already established himself as one among the best interior linemen in the NFL, he still tries to play with a chip on his shoulder to make the guys around him better.
"I compete like I'm a 7th-rounder. I compete like I didn't get paid. That's my mindset, and that's where the respect comes from."
— Giants Videos (@SNYGiants) August 2, 2024
- Dexter Lawrence pic.twitter.com/RKOyIU5D8F
Dexter Lawrence has the right mindset for the 2024 NY Giants
"I compete like I'm not a top player. I think I compete like I was a seventh-rounder. I compete like I didn't get paid. That's just my mindset, and I think that's where the respect comes from. They can see that and they can see how hard I work"Dexter Lawrence
During a media session at training camp, a reporter told Lawrence that multiple teammates called it a “lottery ticket” to play with someone of his caliber. His answer was professional and selfless, claiming he plays as though he was competing for a spot on the depth chart or a new contract.
Lawrence did, in fact, receive a big payday — and for good reason. NY rewarded him with a four-year, $87.5 million contract in 2023. He followed it up with a strong season that earned him a consecutive Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro selection. His 41 QB pressures were an otherworldly number for a nose tackle. Pro Football Focus ranked him the No. 11 player in the NFL heading into the upcoming campaign.
Despite a down year in 2023, Daboll’s squad won 10 games and secured a playoff victory in his inaugural season as NY’s head coach. If the G-Men are going to improve in 2024, Lawrence must continue to perform at an All-Pro level. The defensive line is easily the strongest position group on the team.
It’s nice to know that Lawrence still takes pride in everything he does on the field, even after landing his massive contract extension. That’s what a true leader should be all about. The Giants are lucky to have someone like him on the team.