Former Gamecock Star D.J. Swearinger Signs XFL Contract

Former South Carolina Football Safety and NFL Veteran D.J. Swearinger has signed an XFL Contract with the DC Defenders.

Former NFL Safety and South Carolina Gamecock standout D.J. Swearinger is continuing his football career in the XFL, as he signed a contract with the DC Defenders on Wednesday. The 31-year-old safety last played football in 2020, when he played 11 games for the New Orleans Saints.

Swearinger, a native of Greenwood, South Carolina, played for four years at the University of South Carolina. Although he played a significant role for the Gamecocks throughout his career, his senior year in 2012 was when Swearinger became a household name amongst South Carolina fans, as he totaled 79 tackles and two interceptions en route to an All-SEC Second Team nod.

After an exciting senior season, Swearinger was drafted in the second round with the 57th pick by the Texans. He would play two seasons for the Texans, starting 22 games and accumulating 144 tackles and three interceptions. After two seasons with the Texans, Swearinger became an NFL journeyman, playing for five teams over the next six seasons and only playing more than 20 games with one of those teams.

Though he has been out of football for a few years, the former Gamecock has a chance to revitalize his football career in the XFL. The Defenders already rank as the top team in the XFL, so Swearinger's addition only bolsters an already talented roster.

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