In his first press conference since being traded to the Cincinnati Bengals, defensive tackle went out of his way to share how happy and “blessed” he feels to have the opportunity to play with former teammate B.J. Hill along with Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.

Dexter Lawrence II speaks to the media. https://t.co/my4NaD8Etc

Lawrence called the trade process “stressful”. “I prayed a lot,” he said when looking back. He described the situation as being dangled by a string.

He called the trade “abrupt” and said he didn’t know about it until last Saturday, the day it happened. Lawrence said he then prayed with his wife to make the right decision and felt ease when he decided to become a Bengal.

Because the Bengals gave up a premium pick in the Draft, Lawrence feels he needs to repay them with his play on the field. “I owe it to them to go out there and dominate on that field,” he said.

In other positive news, Lawrence said he wants to make things easy on the Bengals’ young linebackers. “Just get the call in and hit the gap,” he said with a laugh.

Perhaps most impressively, Lawrence showed no hard feelings toward the New York Giants organization or even new coach John Harbaugh. He was graceful and measured in speech.

The big defensive tackle came across as a confident person who is all about business and eager to elevate Cincinnati’s defense.