Lawrence Sidbury

Lawrence Sidbury, Jr. (born February 6, 1986) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Richmond Spiders and was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL draft.

Early life Sidbury was born in Cheltenham, Maryland and attended Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, Maryland. While there, he was a three-year starter on the football team and served as a team captain for his final two seasons. As a senior in 2004, Sidbury earned All-State, honorable mention All-Met, All-County, and All-League honors. He earned a position on the Washington, D.C. Golden 11 Team and played in the Prince George's County All-Star Game.

In high school, he was an honor roll student in the science and vo-tech program. He also competed in track & field and finished second in the state in shot put. He recorded four sacks in the FCS championship game. After the season, he participated in the 2009 Senior Bowl and 2009 East–West Shrine Game, and accounted himself well for NFL scouts. He most effective technique in rushing the quarterback was a spin move nicknamed the "Sidbury Spin".

Professional career Pre-draft The NFL Draft Scout ranked him as eighth of 197 defensive end prospects and projected him being selected in the third round of the 2009 NFL draft. Scouts at the NFL Combine were reportedly impressed by his 4.57-second 40-yard dash, large hands, and arm length.

Atlanta Falcons Sidbury was taken by the Atlanta Falcons in the 4th round of the 2009 NFL draft (125th overall). He became the second Spider to be taken by Atlanta, joining Ray Easterling in 1972.

Sidbury got his first career sack versus the Philadelphia Eagles by sacking Donovan McNabb. He finished the game with 3 tackles.

On December 27, Sidbury stripped the ball from Fred Jackson of the Buffalo Bills, and returned it 11 yards for a touchdown.

He finished the season with 5 tackles including a sack and a fumble recovery for a touchdown. He played in all 16 games.

Indianapolis Colts Sidbury signed with the Indianapolis Colts on March 12, 2013. On August 25, 2013, the Colts placed him on the injured reserve list due to a shoulder injury.

Houston Texans Sidbury signed with the Houston Texans in July 2014. The Texans released Sidbury on August 25, 2014.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Sidbury signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 17, 2014. On March 9, 2015, he was re-signed by the Buccaneers. On September 5, 2015, Sidbury was released. On November 4, 2015, he was signed. On November 10, 2015, he was waived. On November 18, 2015, he re-signed with the Buccaneers. On November 23, 2015, he was waived.