Cowboys' DeMarcus Lawrence Says Pregnant Wife Sasha Told Him He Can't Opt out

Dallas Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence said Friday that his wife, Sasha, made the decision for him to play during the 2020 NFL season rather than opting out amid the coronavirus pandemic. 

According to Jori Epstein of USA Today, Lawrence said: "My decision was made by my wife. She basically told me there's no way possible that I could miss this season. My wife is taking care of home. I respect her so much. I know she'll do a great job. I just got to focus on football right now and when I'm able to get back home, I'll be there."

Sasha is pregnant and is due to give birth in October.

When asked about the possibility of opting out last month, Lawrence told ESPN's Todd Archer that he was considering it:

"I'm taking it one day at a time, talking with my team and trying to figure out as many details as possible before I make a decision and have it set in stone. Shoot, I love to ride with my brothers and play the game of football. When I have to take that away from myself, it's hard and I don't want to make a decision like that. But I also have to make sure I'm taking care of my family. Family is No. 1. After the game of football is done, that's the only thing I have to depend on so I've got to take care of them."

Lawrence did not opt out by the deadline, however, meaning he is now locked in and poised to be a key contributor on Dallas' defense.

The 28-year-old veteran earned his first two Pro Bowl nods in 2017 and 2018, as he registered a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2017 and followed it up with 10.5 the following season. That production helped net him a five-year, $105 million contract extension.

Lawrence's numbers dipped last season, however, as he finished with just 45 tackles, five sacks, two forced fumbles and 10 tackles for loss in 16 games.

Lawrence still finished second on the team in sacks, though, and he is the Cowboys' returning sack leader, as Robert Quinn signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency after leading Dallas with 11.5 sacks last season.

In an effort to take some of the pressure and pass-rushing burden off Lawrence's shoulders, the Cowboys signed four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Everson Griffen this week. They also signed Aldon Smith earlier in the offseason, although he hasn't played a game since 2015 because of suspensions.

Lawrence is a key contributor even when he isn't tallying sacks since opposing offenses have to account for him at all times, which is why it is such a huge win for the Dallas defense to have him in the fold this season.