Who is Matt Lawrence? Former FA Cup finalist captain survived two fentanyl overdoses

Matt Lawrence, the former Millwall captain who played in the 2004 FA Cup final, has spoken publicly about surviving two near-fatal drug overdoses in New York in March 2021. Lawrence said cocaine he bought was laced with fentanyl, causing him to stop breathing on two occasions within four days. He was revived both times.Now 52, Lawrence has been sober since August 2025 and is sharing his story for the first time. He spent 16 years as a professional footballer, with his career including spells at Wycombe Wanderers, Fulham, Millwall, Crystal Palace and Gillingham. He later moved to the United States.Who is Matt Lawrence?Matt Lawrence is a former English professional footballer who played primarily in defence. His career included six years at Millwall, where he became captain and helped the club reach its first FA Cup final in 2004.Millwall faced Manchester United at the Millennium Stadium that year.