Storm 2024 Sack Leader Returns for 2027

Hearing the name Marquise Lawson-Greenwood should bring back memories for Storm faithful; they heard it often from in-arena announcers and broadcasters during the 2024 season. He racked up 10 quarterback sacks, drawing interest in the CFL and UFL. 

A Road Less Traveled 

Lawson-Greenwood came out of Imhotep Charter having played guard and defensive tackle at 6’5, 265 lbs for the football team, while also playing basketball. Then he got into college, where football became his focus for the California University of Pennsylvania. He would redshirt in 2018 but in 2019, Lawson-Greenwood would start 6 games…at left tackle.  Playing in 9 games total, before COVID turned the world upside down. 

By the time life returned to somewhat normal in 2021, Lawson-Greenwood had moved on to San Bernardino Valley College, this time as a 255-pound defensive lineman. A position he would spend the next several years settling into. His first season back on defense proved he had found the correct position: 43 tackles, 9.5 for a loss, 1 sack, and 2 fumble recoveries. 

In 2022, he transferred one last time to Lincoln University (California), where he would spend two more seasons in the opposing team’s backfield. Following the 2023 season, Lawson-Greenwood left college looking to begin his professional career, but did not have the interest outdoors to immediately jump into an NFL, CFL, or UFL program. One season with the Storm changed all of that. 

Defensive Specialist, with an Offensive Background? 

Lawson-Greenwood caught the attention of Head Coach Gary Thomas with his length, athleticism, and ability to play multiple roles when called upon. He was initially signed to a roster built to play “Ironman” football where players played both offense and defense. While the rules eventually shifted away from this, Lawson-Greenwood proved to be too valuable defensively and drew the defensive specialist title. 

This role paid off as he would collect 10 sacks in 9 appearances, as well as many more impact plays along the way. Lawson-Greenwood not only was among the best pass rushers in the AFL, but he drew the attention of higher leagues, first signing with the UFL. 

Following the 2024 season, it appeared as if the Arlington Renegades, led by Bob Stoops, had followed the Storm closely. They would sign three players from the Storm during 2024: FB/LB Jeremy Cox, LB/FB Vincent Dileo, and Marquise Lawson-Greenwood. Cox would finish out the 2024 season with Arlington, while Dileo and Lawson-Greenwood would attend training camp with Arlington in 2025. 

Pictured AF1 to UFL Players From Left to Right:

Vincent DiLeo, Marquise Lawson-Greenwood, Sean Brown (Albany Firebirds)

Unfortunately, Lawson-Greenwood was let go by the UFL, but thankfully due to the timing of their schedule and the CFL's, he was able to sign with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Another very talented team that was looking to round out their roster for 2025. He would spend two months with Winnipeg before being let go in June. 

After this, Lawson-Greenwood would spend a short time with the Albany Firebirds, playing 2 games and reminding everyone how dominant he had been the year before. Playing just 2 games, he collected 8 tackles, 2 for a loss, 2 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. 

Following the 2025 season Lawson-Greenwood would spend some time with the Vegas Knight Hawks before having to sit out the 2026 season. Finally, in 2027 Lawson-Greenwood has made his return to Southwest Kansas, and this time he will line up next to Robert Cooper, one of the best interior linemen the Storm have ever had. Offensive lines have their work cut out for them in 2027, as the Storm look to defend their 2026 NAL title. 

Learning from the Best the Game Has to Offer

Now heading into his fourth season as a professional player, Lawson-Greenwood has worked under some of the best coaches at their respective levels. Gary Thomas has led the Storm to the playoffs in three straight seasons with it culminating in an NAL Championship in 2026. Bob Stoops with the Renegades, was a legendary collegiate head coach, he was also coming off of an XFL Championship win in 2023. 

Mike O'Shea has built a dynasty in Winnipeg moving into 7th in All-Time Wins in CFL History, and he is a 6-time Grey Cup Champion. Damon Ware has led the Firebirds to three straight championship game appearances including a win in 2024. If we throw out the 2023 season in which Antonio Brown took over the Empire, Ware has actually been to every championship game of the arena football league he was coaching in since 2021. Five straight seasons in the Championship in 3 different leagues; NAL, AFL, AF1. Finally Mike Davis with the Vegas Knight Hawks also was coming off of a Championship win in 2025 before signing Marquise. 

This should speak volumes to the kind of talent that Marquise Lawson-Greenwood possesses and it is curious to see other less accomplished outdoor teams and coaches not showing interest in Marquise. Something tells me the 2027 season leads to at least one more chance to make a roster outdoors, whether that is in the NFL, UFL, or CFL remains to be seen. 

Quote from the Coach

"Marquise is a very unique talent! He’s long, physical, and extremely twitchy. We’re excited to have him back for 2027, and look forward to being the bridge for him to return to outdoor football where he belongs!" - Coach Gary Thomas. 

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