Former Gamecock D.J. Swearinger signs with XFL team
After last appearing in a game in 2020, former South Carolina safety D.J. Swearinger is returning to play professional football. Gamecock Central has confirmed that the 31-year-old has signed with the DC Defenders of the XFL.
The move has been expected in recent weeks, hence why Swearinger postponed his annual charity basketball game two weeks ago. The veteran defensive back even hinted at making a return on his personal Twitter account on March 18.
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“My son say he want me to play football again,” Swearinger posted on social media. “I told em I (want to) play too. XFL hit me up saying they need me.”
For those not as familiar with the XFL, the DC Defenders are one of eight teams in the recently resurrected professional spring league. The league consist of many former NFL or CFL (Canadian Football League) players as well as former college players.
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A second round draft pick by the Houston Texas in the 2013 NFL Draft, Swearinger’s last stint with a professional team came in 2021 on the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad. His last appearance in a game was in 2020 with the New Orleans Saints.
After two seasons with Houston he went on to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Washington Redskins, the then Oakland Raiders, and the New Orleans. Despite being with the Colts in 2021, he never appeared in a game.
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Swearinger joins a Defenders franchise who currently owns the best record in the XFL. In 110 NFL career, the former Gamecock complied 425 career tackles, 4.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 43 pass breakups, and 14 interceptions. He also started in 73 of those games.
DC has three regular season games remaining. Each of those games will be aired on either ESPN or ABC.
