Dawson was drafted in the sixth round by the Columbus Landsharks in 2001, and played in 11 games in his rookie season with Columbus, tallying 3 goals, 3 assists and 29 loose balls. In 2003, he played in 16 games, setting career highs in goals and loose balls. In 2004, Dawson helped Team Canada beat Team USA in the Heritage Cup. During the 2004 season, he led Arizona in assists and was 2nd in points. In 2005, Dawson finished 7th in the NLL with 84 points and 2nd in goals with 48. He scored a hat-trick in his first All-Star game with the West Division. In 2005 he was named a First Team All-Pro. Dawson was selected first overall by the LumberJax in the 2008dispersal draft, after the Arizona Sting and Boston Blazers announced that they would not be playing in the 2008 season. After leading the LumberJax's the 2008 Champions Cup final, Dawson was again put into National Lacrosse League dispersal draft pool when Arizona ceased operations. This time, Dawson was selected first overall by the Boston Blazers. During the 2009 NLL season, he was named a starter to the All-Star Game. Dawson and Josh Sanderson both finished the season with 74 assists, a new league record. During the 2012 NLL season, Dawson broke the assists record he shared with Josh Sanderson. However, Garrett Billings eclipsed Dawson's total with 82 and now holds the record. After only one season in Philadelphia, Dawson was traded along with his brother Paul to the Rochester Knighthawks for four players including Paul Rabil. Played one season with the expansion teamSan Diego Seals from 2018-2019.
Canadian Professional Lacrosse
As a junior in 2002 he played for Brampton Excelsiors Jr.A, jumped to the Brampton Excelsiors that same year and won the Mann Cup. He was signed by the Victoria Shamrocks in 2005 and helped lead them to their 8th Mann Cup victory. He won the Bill Ellison Award twice for the MVP of the 2005 WLA playoffs and the 2006 WLA playoffs.
Mann Cup
2002 - Member of Brampton Excelsiors, winners in the Mann Cup, MSL champions 2003 - Member of Brampton Excelsiors, runner up in the Mann Cup, MSL champions 2005 - Member of Victoria Shamrocks, winners in the Mann Cup, WLA champions 2006 - Member of Victoria Shamrocks, runner up in the Mann Cup, WLA champions 2008 - Member of Brampton Excelsiors, winners of the Mann Cup, MSL champions 2009 - Member of Brampton Excelsiors, winners of the Mann Cup, MSL champions 2011 - Member of Brampton Excelsiors, winners of the Mann Cup, MSL champions Bible of Lacrosse Mann Cup Stats