Eagles Legend Names Clemson Pro as Toughest Matchup in 2023
By: Staff Report February 6, 2024

Longtime Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce played in 17 games during the 2023 NFL campaign – his 13th season in the league.

And in none of those games did the Eagles legend have a more difficult opponent to go up against than he did when facing off with New York Giants nose tackle Dexter Lawrence.

At the Pro Bowl this week, Kelce – a seven-time Pro Bowler, six-time first-team All-Pro and Super Bowl champion – pegged the former Clemson star Lawrence as the toughest matchup he had this season.

“I’d be remiss if I didn’t say Dexter Lawrence,” Kelce said. “He’s got a good blend of everything — speed, power and athleticism.”

The respect between Kelce and Lawrence goes both ways, as Lawrence said the toughest player he went up against in 2023 was Kelce.

“Jason Kelce. Yeah, he’s a legend,” Lawrence said.

Dallas Cowboys offensive guard Tyler Smith also spoke highly of Lawrence, who earned his second straight Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors in 2023.

“Dexter Lawrence, he’s pretty good. It’s rare that you see a dude at that size be able to move like that,” Smith said. “So I think he’s probably a nightmare assignment for anybody.”

Drafted by the Giants with the 17th overall pick in 2019, Lawrence was dominant again during his fifth NFL season in 2023, when the 6-foot-4, 340-pounder posted 21 quarterback hits, 4.5 sacks, 53 tackles (32 solo), seven tackles for loss, two passes defended and 60-plus total pressures across 16 games.

–Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images 

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