The Orlando Pirates have signed defensive back Dexter Lawson
ORLANDO, FL - The Orlando Pirates of the Indoor Football League have signed defensive back Dexter Lawson for the 2026 season. The 5'10'' 190-pound DB is a former Second-team All-NEC player who has years of Canadian Football League experience.
Lawson began his collegiate career at Central Connecticut before taking his talents to Appalachian State. After recording 17 tackles as a freshman, he earned HERO Sports FCS Sophomore All-American honors alongside being named Second-team All-NEC in 2019.
That year, Lawson recorded 31 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, five pass breakups, and led the conference with six interceptions. While the 2020 season was cancelled, he returned in 2021 with 26 tackles and two interceptions in just six games.
From there, Lawson ended his collegiate career with the Mountaineers. He started 10 of the 12 games he appeared in as he recorded 26 tackles, three interceptions, eight pass breakups, and one forced fumble.
The CFL came calling and Lawson made an immediate name for himself. The Connecticut native started eight games in his first season for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats where he recorded 29 tackles and one interception. The following year he only started four games and recorded 16 tackles.
Lawson had a brief stint with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers but he's now ready to take his talents to the Indoor Football League. The 26-year-old got off to a hot start in the CFL and he'll look to do the same in a fast-paced league that plays to his strengths.
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About the Orlando Pirates: The 2021 United Bowl National Champions and 2-time Eastern Conference Champions, Orlando Pirates, are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL) and play their home games at the KIA Center in Orlando, Florida. For 2026 ticket information for Orlando Pirates, please email contact@orlandopirates.com, call (407) 516-6391, or visit www.orlandopirates.com
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About the Indoor Football League (IFL): The IFL is the longest-running indoor football league with 14 teams based in cities across the country. For additional information, please email info@goifl.com or visit the league website at https://goifl.com
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