Former Raiders offensive tackle and three-time Super Bowl champion honored in the 2026 class

By C.S. Howard

PALMETTO, Fla. — Henry Lawrence, a Manatee County football standout who became a first-round NFL draft pick and three-time Super Bowl champion, was inducted into the Florida High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame on September 20.

Lawrence was among eight inductees in the FHSAA’s 36th Hall of Fame class. The ceremony, presented by Herff Jones, recognized individuals whose careers have shaped Florida high school athletics.

“This was a great night celebrating the very best of Florida high school athletics,” FHSAA Executive Director Craig Damon said.

A trailblazer at Lincoln Memorial

Lawrence began his high school football career at Lincoln Memorial High School in Palmetto, where he played on both sides of the line as an offensive tackle and defensive end. Before desegregation, Lincoln Memorial was Manatee County’s only public high school for African American students. Lawrence earned All-American honors, along with All-County, All-Conference, All-District and All-State recognition.

When the schools integrated, Lincoln Memorial became a middle school, and Lawrence completed his senior year at Manatee High School in 1969. The FHSAA’s Hall of Fame profile says he faced limited opportunities in the program and experienced consequences after raising concerns with school leaders about how Black student-athletes were treated. He remained committed to his team and continued to demonstrate leadership through a period of significant change.

From Palmetto to the NFL

Lawrence played at Florida A&M University from 1970 to 1973. In 1973, he earned Second-Team All-American and First-Team Little All-American honors.

The Oakland Raiders selected Lawrence 19th overall in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft. He went on to play 13 seasons as an offensive tackle, earning two Pro Bowl selections in 1983 and 1984 and winning three Super Bowl championships with the Raiders.

Lawrence was previously inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

A legacy of service

Lawrence has continued to give back through motivational speaking and youth-focused programs. His community work has included health fairs, back-to-school initiatives, football camps and outreach to at-risk and incarcerated young people.

His legacy extends beyond his NFL career: he is remembered for his resilience during school integration and for the example he continues to set for young people in Manatee County.

About the FHSAA: Based in Gainesville, the Florida High School Athletic Association governs interscholastic athletics at member schools across the state.