Lawrence Edward Collier Jr. Bio
Lawrence Edward Collier Jr. is an American professional football defensive end for the Arizona Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Texas Christian University (TCU) and was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Following a successful college career, he has become a notable player in the NFL, contributing significantly to his teams.
Early Life and Background
Collier grew up in Munday, Texas. He attended Munday High School, where he helped lead the Moguls to a state championship as a junior in 2012. He recorded six tackles, a sack, a forced fumble, and a touchdown on an interception return to earn Defensive MVP honors for the game. On February 5, 2014, he signed a letter of intent to attend Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, on a football scholarship.
Path to American Football
Collier redshirted during his first season with the Horned Frogs but became a starter for TCU as a redshirt freshman in 2015 despite appearing in just one game. He played in all 13 games for the Horned Frogs as a sophomore, recording 4.5 sacks and blocking a field goal against Georgia in the 2016 Liberty Bowl. He recorded 4.5 sacks again as a junior, including one in a crucial late-game situation in the Frogs’ comeback win over Stanford in the 2017 Alamo Bowl.
As a senior in 2018, Collier finally got the opportunity to become a full-time starter for the Horned Frogs. He responded by tallying 6.0 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, and 4 pass break-ups to earn First-team All-Big 12 Conference honors. He closed out his collegiate career with a sack in TCU’s Cheez-It Bowl victory over California. Following his senior season, Collier graduated from TCU and was invited to participate in the 2019 Senior Bowl, in which he recorded a sack and a forced fumble.
Lawrence Edward Collier Jr. Career
Seattle Seahawks (2019-2022)
Collier was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the first round (29th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Seahawks traded Frank Clark to the Kansas City Chiefs in order to obtain the selection used to select Collier. He was expected to contribute immediately to Seattle’s defensive line, which was transitioning after the departure of Jadeveon Clowney. After suffering multiple injuries, he finished the season with 3 tackles.
Collier started the 2020 campaign as the starting defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks after the departure of Clowney. He had the biggest play of his early career when he stopped New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton on the 1-yard line to secure a Week 2 35-30 victory on Sunday Night Football. In Week 5 against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday Night Football, Collier recorded his first career sack on Kirk Cousins during a 27-26 win. In Week 11 against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday Night Football, Collier recorded his second career sack, taking down Kyler Murray during a 28-21 win.
The Seahawks declined the fifth-year option on Collier’s rookie contract, making him a free agent after the 2022 season. Collier was placed on injured reserve to start the 2022 season. He was activated on October 26, 2022.
Arizona Cardinals (2023-Present)
On March 21, 2023, Collier signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals. He was placed on injured reserve on September 16. On March 8, 2024, Collier signed a one-year contract extension with the Cardinals. He played in all 17 games with 15 starts, recording 29 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
On March 12, 2025, Collier re-signed with the Cardinals on a one-year, $4 million contract. On September 17, Collier was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury he suffered in the team’s Week 2 victory over the Carolina Panthers. He was activated on December 24, ahead of the team’s Week 17 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. On March 9, 2026, Collier re-signed with the Cardinals on a one-year, $2.5 million contract.
Driving Style and Strengths
Collier has established himself as a versatile defensive end capable of pressuring quarterbacks and stopping the run. His best season came in 2024 with Arizona, where he recorded 3.5 sacks and 29 tackles while appearing in all 17 games with 15 starts.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Collier’s defining moments came in 2020 when he stopped Cam Newton at the 1-yard line to secure a victory over the New England Patriots. That same season, he recorded his first career sack on Kirk Cousins during a win over the Minnesota Vikings. These plays highlighted his ability to make crucial stops in high-pressure situations.
Lawrence Edward Collier Jr. Career Wins
Throughout his NFL career, Collier has accumulated meaningful statistics across six seasons with two teams. His career totals reflect his consistency and ability to contribute in various defensive situations.
NFL Highlights
Collier’s most productive season came in 2024 with the Arizona Cardinals, where he recorded 29 tackles and 3.5 sacks while starting 15 games. His rookie season in 2019 was limited due to injuries, as he recorded just 3 tackles. His 2020 season showcased his potential with multiple key plays, including his first career sack and his goal-line stop against the Patriots.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Tackles | 72 |
| Sacks | 6.5 |
| Fumble Recoveries | 1 |
| Pass Deflections | 7 |
2025 Season Performance
Collier entered the 2025 season with the Arizona Cardinals following his re-signing in March on a one-year, $4 million contract. He suffered a knee injury in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers, which resulted in his placement on injured reserve. He was activated in December ahead of the team’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, indicating his recovery progress.
The Cardinals valued Collier’s experience and signed him to a lucrative contract before the season. Once healthy, Collier is expected to return to Arizona’s defensive line rotation. His ability to pressure quarterbacks and stop the run makes him a valuable piece of the Cardinals’ defensive plans.