Tampa Bay Buccaneers

5 Things to Know About J.R. Sweezy

A few interesting facts about Sweezy, who signed with the Buccaneers as a free agent.

Mar 10, 2016 at 04:50 AM

1 / 12

2 / 12

3 / 12

4 / 12

5 / 12

6 / 12

7 / 12

8 / 12

9 / 12

10 / 12

11 / 12

12 / 12

Advertising

This Ad will close in 3

He is a former standout in another sport.**
Sweezy, who grew up in Mooresville, North Carolina, excelled on the football field, obviously, but was also successful in another sport. In 2007, Sweezy won the North Carolina 3A state wrestling championship at heavyweight, helping his team finish 15th out of 71 schools at the tournament.

READ: BUCCANEERS RE-SIGN DOUG MARTIN

2. Sweezy has played different positions at each level.
When he was in high school, Sweezy served as a linebacker, tallying 195 tackles in 12 games during his senior year. As he transitioned into college at North Carolina State, Sweezy shifted to defensive end, then defensive tackle before ultimately moving to guard after being drafted by Seattle.

1 / 29

QB Robert Griffin

2 / 29

Rueben Randle

3 / 29

MLB James Laurinaitis

4 / 29

CB Jerraud Powers

5 / 29

ILB Zach Brown

6 / 29

CB Nolan Carroll

7 / 29

C Steffen Wisniewski

8 / 29

CB Patrick Robinson

9 / 29

CB Leon Hall

10 / 29

RB Legarrette Blount

11 / 29

OLB Courtney Upshaw

12 / 29

LB Dwight Freeney

13 / 29

WR Percy Harvin

14 / 29

LB Mike Neal

15 / 29

G Jahri Evans

16 / 29

G Evan Mathis

17 / 29

RB. Alfred Morris

18 / 29

FS Rashad Johnson

19 / 29

DT Terrance Knighton

20 / 29

WR Anquan Boldin

21 / 29

DE Greg Hardy

22 / 29

45.OLB Aldon Smith

23 / 29

S Walter Thurmond

24 / 29

OT Andre Smith

25 / 29

RB Arian Foster

26 / 29

DT Nick Fairley

27 / 29

QB Ryan Fitzpatrick

28 / 29

S Reggie Nelson

29 / 29

OT Russell Okung

Advertising

This Ad will close in 3

3. He's consistent.
Sweezy has missed just two games over the course of the past three years and was "the most consistent lineman" on the Seahawks' roster last year, according to Buccaneers.com contributor and former NFL tight end Anthony Becht.

4. He went years without playing an offensive snap.
According to an article in The New Yorker, before switching to guard with the Seahawks, Sweezy hadn't played an offensive down since his days playing Pop Warner in North Carolina. He has played exclusive on the offensive side of the ball since being drafted.

READ: MARTIN'S HEART WAS ALWAYS IN TAMPA BAY

5. He was highly coveted.
According to several reports, nearly half the teams in the league expressed interest in Sweezy. The Dolphins, Falcons, Saints, Jets, Bears and Lions were among those suggested to be looking at the guard.

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Latest Headlines

Antoine Winfield Jr. Revealed on Day Five of NFL Network's Top 100 Players of 2024

NFL Network revealed the ranking of players 50 through 41 on Friday evening as part of its annual Top 100 countdown, featuring Buccaneers' safety Antoine Winfield Jr.

Baker Mayfield: No Doubt in My Mind

Baker Mayfield: It's Time For The 'Next Level' | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles spoke to the media following Friday's 2024 Training Camp practice. HC Bowles discussed OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka athleticism, the Bucs' noticeable chemistry and the transition to OC Liam Coen's offense.

Photos: Buccaneers 2024 Training Camp - July 26th

View photos of Tampa Bay Buccaneers players practicing at 2024 Training Camp on Friday, July 26th, 2024 at AdventHealth Training Center.

Joe Tryon-Shoyinka Embraces Defensive "No Plays Off" Mantra | Training Camp Takeaways

Buccaneers' outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka dishes on offseason enhancement with teammate Yaya Diaby and embracing the defensive philosophy

RG Cody Mauch Targets "Consistency" in 2024

As he enters Year Two, right guard Cody Mauch reflects on his personal growth and continuity with right tackle Luke Goedeke

Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey Give Bucs "Interesting Combination" Up Front

The Bucs hope the contrasting shapes and styles of Bucs DL Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey will combine to produce big problems for opposing offensive lines in their second year together

Liam Coen Calling The Shots, Jalen McMillan Thriving | Training Camp Report

Senior Writer/Editor Scott Smith and Team Reporter Casey Phillips report on the latest news from Buccaneers' 2024 Training Camp. Scott and Casey break down who is turning heads at Training Camp, RB Rachaad White's role in OC Liam Coen's offense and G Ben Bredeson's 'photographic memory'.

Bucs Cross-Training Tavierre Thomas, Tykee Smith at Multiple Spots | Updates

Keep informed with our daily updates: News, notes and more throughout the Buccaneers 2024 Training Camp and Preseason

Todd Bowles: Baker Mayfield & Bucs in a 'Good Grove' | Press Conference

Joe Tryon-Shoyinka on Training With Yaya Diaby | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka spoke to the media following Friday's 2024 Training Camp practice. OLB Tryon-Shoyinka discussed looking to the Super Bowl, giving 100% effort and relishing in being called a 'chess piece' by Todd Bowles.

Cody Mauch Praises Rookies Graham Barton & Elijah Klein | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Guard Cody Mauch spoke to the media following Friday's 2024 Training Camp practice. G Mauch discussed his recent engagement, continuing to improve and liking what he sees from the rookie offensive lineman.

Revitalized Run Game Presents "Bigger Palette": Training Camp Takeaways

A look at Liam Coen's diversified run game approach and what it means for Rachaad White and Bucky Irving

WR Chris Godwin Shines in Revamped Role at Training Camp

In a retooled role in Liam Coen's offense, Chris Godwin garners attention with stellar play on the practice fields

Bucs Add Former UFL Tight End Sal Cannella

Currently down a tight end with Tanner Taula injured, the Buccaneers bolstered the spot on Thursday by signing Auburn product Sal Cannella, who has played in multiple other professional leagues

Photos: Buccaneers 2024 Training Camp - July 25th

View photos of Tampa Bay Buccaneers players practicing at 2024 Training Camp on Thursday, July 25th, 2024 at AdventHealth Training Center.

Jalen McMillan's Camp Goal: Earn Baker Mayfield's Trust

After a standout practice on Thursday that included two impressive touchdown grabs, rookie WR Jalen McMillan revealed some of his motivation, and the daily routine that has helped him get off to a fast start in training camp

Pick Plans: Zyon McCollum Chasing Six Interceptions in 2024

Third-year corner Zyon McCollum, who is moving into the starting lineup in 2024, has set the bar high for what he wants to accomplish in his expanded role

Todd Bowles on Yaya Diaby's 'Unlimited Potential' | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles spoke to the media following Thursday's 2024 Training Camp practice. HC Bowles discussed WR Jalen McMillan's concentration, OLB Yaya Diaby being 'outstanding' and CB Zyon McCollum's plays in the redzone today.

Chris Godwin: 'Lot Of Fun' To Be Back In The Slot | Press Conference

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver Chris Godwin spoke to the media following Thursday's 2024 Training Camp practice. WR Godwin discussed the young guys being hungry, not caring about the outside noise, the belief inside camp and seeing something special in WR Jalen McMillan.