He may be one tough cookie on the field but Bills defensive end Shaq "Sack" Lawson is known for having a softer side off it. A regular when it comes to community outreach, Lawson has held events for youth in the Western New York area and in his hometown of Central, South Carolina, throughout his time in the NFL. Recently, the 2016 first-round draft pick hosted a holiday party for kids in Central and the surrounding areas.
After a noteworthy performance on Thanksgiving, Lawson turned his attention to giving back to the city that gave him his roots. Getting in the spirit, he provided a fun-filled afternoon for kids and their families. Featuring Santa Claus, presents, gift cards and a festive meal, the event was a nice way to ring in the holidays.
"I was the same kid in those shoes…back in the day," said Lawson to WYFF in South Carolina. "So, it's always great to have this event. It's going on my fourth year doing events. [I've been doing them] since I started. I want to continue growing and making it big every year."
Teaming up with the Tajh Boyd Foundation and the C.J. Fuller Foundation, Lawson was able to make the event one to remember for the youngsters in attendance.
"We all played football for Clemson at one point in time, so we all played a big part in the community," he said of Tajh Boyd and C.J. Fuller. "Playing the part of guys winning the national championship…So, we all have fans around this community, and you know C.J. was like a brother to me. So, I wanted to make sure his name lives on forever and Tahj Boyd was always a great teammate to me too…it all worked out and made [for] one big event."
The party was one of many ways Lawson has made a difference through selfless acts of kindness this year. Over the summer, while the team was holding joint sessions with the Carolina Panthers, Lawson invited a group of over 40 kids from Central out to Wofford College to experience an NFL practice. Showing no signs of slowing down in the sack department, expect Lawson to similarly give it his all off the field.
