Registered three tackles apiece vs. New Orleans (11/28) and at Tampa Bay (12/5). Started Weeks 14–17 in place of Ed Jasper (wrist). Tallied three tackles vs. Oakland (12/12) and four tackles vs. Carolina (12/18). Posted a career-high seven tackles at New Orleans (12/26). Recorded three tackles at Seattle (1/2). Recorded one tackle in a reserve role vs. St. Louis in the NFC Divisional Playoff game vs. St. Louis (1/15/05). Tallied two tackles at Philadelphia (1/23/05) in the NFC Championship Game. Lavalais started in all fourteen games of the 2005 season. He was credited with 33 tackles, 2.5 sacks and two passes defensed. He speared Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb in the first game of the season, causing an injury to McNabb that caused physical problems for the remainder of the season and his life, eventually leading to a diagnosis of a sports hernia. Lavalais was fined $7500 by the NFL for the hit. The Falcons waived Lavalais on September 2, 2006, right before the 2006 NFL Season. Lavalais reportedly worked out with the Cincinnati Bengals as well as the Minnesota Vikings but was not signed. As such he did not play a snap in 2006. Carolina Panthers On March 27, 2007, Lavalais signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers. Lavalais was released by the Panthers on August 26, 2007, before the start of the 2007 NFL Season. Lavailais did not return to the NFL. References 1979 births Living people All-American college football players American football defensive tackles Atlanta Falcons players Carolina Panthers players LSU Tigers football players People from Marksville, Louisiana Marksville High School alumni Players of American football from Louisiana