Dexter Lawson Jr.

Dexter Lawson Jr. (born November 5, 1999) is an American professional football defensive back for the Orlando Pirates of the Indoor Football League (IFL). He played college football at Central Connecticut and Appalachian State.

Early life Lawson played high school football at Bloomfield High School in Bloomfield, Connecticut and St. Thomas More High School in Oakdale, Connecticut.

College career Central Connecticut Lawson played college football at Central Connecticut from 2018 to 2021. The 2020 season was cancelled to due the COVID-19 pandemic. He played in 12 games, starting 10, recording 26 tackles, three interceptions, five pass breakups and one forced fumble.

Professional career Lawson signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League (CFL) on May 3, 2023. He was moved between the practice roster and active roster several times during the 2023 season. Overall, he dressed in nine games, starting eight, for the Tiger-Cats in 2023, totaling 29 tackles on defense, one special teams tackle and one interception.

In 2024, Lawson played and started in four games where he recorded 16 defensive tackles and one special teams tackle. He was then moved to the practice roster and then ultimately released on July 24, 2024. Lawson then joined the Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League (IFL) in early July 2025, before being re-signed by the Blue Bombers to their practice squad in at the end of the month.

Lawson signed with the Orlando Pirates of the IFL on February 23, 2026.