
Jefferson blunt on McCarthy with Kyler a Viking
Justin Jefferson discusses the Vikings' QB competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray.
Dexter Lawrence, the Cincinnati Bengals' new player, revealed the origin of his nickname 'Sexy Dexy' to the media. The nickname has a personal backstory that dates back to his early life.
Dexter Lawrence is a towering force to be reckoned with on the football field, but his nickname is anything but threatening. Lawrence explained to Cincinnati Bengals media members where “Sexy Dexy” came from.
Dexter Lawrence is the Cincinnati Bengals’ newest player, and he has one of the more interesting nicknames in the NFL.
Lawrence, an eighth-year player entering 2026, is also known as “Sexy Dexy.” The 6-4, 342 pound defensive tackle even has his own signature dance to go along with it.
But where did that nickname come from? It arrived closer to Lawrence’s birth compared to now.
Lawrence is 28 years old and has been a large presence on the football field for his entire career. Even in middle school, which is when the three-time Pro Bowler says his nickname first surfaced.
“So in middle school, seventh grade, my middle school coach, Coach Klein, he just came up to me one day. He had the deepest voice. He was like, ‘Sexy Dexy,'” Lawrence recalled in his introductory press conference. “Mad deep. Mad deep. It kind of stuck. It stuck somehow, some way, but it just carried on to now.”
The nickname really matches with the dance, which Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins notably busted out during the Pro Bowl Games back in February.
Higgins and Lawrence were teammates at Clemson from 2017-18. Lawrence entered the 2019 NFL Draft, and Higgins followed suit in the 2020 draft.
It took a precedent-breaking trade, but the two are back on the same team again. Lawrence is very excited about that.
“He’s like a brother to me for real,” Lawrence said of Higgins. “You know, he kind of left me alone during the situation you know, but he knows the respect I have for him. And, you know, like I said, we played together, we went together, so I want to continue that.”
Higgins is signed through the 2028 season with Cincinnati just like Lawrence now is following his one-year extension. They won a College Football Playoff National Championship together back in 2018, and will now embark on a goal to win a Super Bowl together before a decade passes since their triumph at Clemson.
Dexter Lawrence explained that the nickname 'Sexy Dexy' has a personal backstory that dates back to his early life.
The nickname 'Sexy Dexy' was given to Dexter Lawrence closer to his birth and has since become a part of his identity on the field.
Dexter Lawrence plays as a defensive tackle for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Justin Jefferson discusses the Vikings' QB competition between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray.
North Carolina guard Seth Trimble has entered the transfer portal with a do-not-contact tag, seeking an extra year of eligibility. This move positions him for a potential fifth year if NCAA rules change following recent settlements.
Check out these bold predictions for the 2026 NFL Draft!
Justin Jefferson emphasized that J.J. McCarthy must 'lock in' now that Kyler Murray is with the Vikings. McCarthy's previous season was disappointing, and Murray's arrival could jeopardize his starting position.
Cast your vote for The News Tribune's Track & Field Athlete of the Week!
Check out the way-too-early rankings for the 2026-27 high school girls basketball season!
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Add more players to the Bengals’ 2026 roster with the A to Z Sports NFL Mock Draft Simulator!