Former NFL safety DJ Swearinger made his presence felt in his second game playing with the DC Defenders of the XFL. Swearinger ignited the sell-out crowd of 18,864 at DC’s Audi Field with a momentum-changing pick-six.
DC led 20-9 in the third quarter over the Arlington Renegades. However, the Renegades’ offense was marching down the field, looking to close the gap. Arlington faced a 3rd-and-5 after crossing midfield. Swearinger was lined up against the slot and came off jam coverage to jump a pass from Renegades quarterback Luis Perez.
Swearinger intercepted the pass before rolling to the end zone to complete a 62-yard pick-six.
Swearinger played two of his eight years in the NFL with the Washington Commanders franchise. He was a fan favorite in Washington. He had eight interceptions in 31 games.
Washington released Swearinger late in the 2018 season after he criticized defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. Swearinger bounced around three teams — Arizona, Oakland, and New Orleans. He last played in the NFL in 2020.
DJ Swearinger yearns to get back into the NFL. He signed with the Defenders less than two weeks ago. The XFL and the Defenders provide him with a path toward his goal. Sunday, he displayed his skill set, beating the receiver with a jam, breaking off his coverage to jump the pass, and then blazing untouched into the end zone.
