Jim Sweeney

James Joseph Sweeney (August 8, 1962 – October 1, 2022) was an American professional football player who was a center and guard for 16 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). After his playing career, he became an assistant coach.

Early life and college Sweeney was born in Pittsburgh and attended Seton-La Salle Catholic High School in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania. At the University of Pittsburgh, he played all five offensive line positions and tight end for the Pittsburgh Panthers from 1980 to 1983, including two seasons as starter. As a senior in 1983, he played at center and guard, and he won second-team All-American honors from The Sporting News.

Professional playing career The New York Jets selected Sweeney in the second round, with the 37th overall selection in the 1984 NFL draft. Sweeney played for the Jets from 1984 to 1994. With the Jets, he played in ten games with two starts as a rookie in 1984. In 1985, he started all 16 games at left guard. In 1986 and 1987, Sweeney was the starting left tackle. From 1988 to 1994, he started at center for the Jets.

Sweeney signed a three-year contract for $2.8 million with the Seattle Seahawks. In 2011, he participated in the NFL and NCAA coaching internship program at Frostburg State University. He was offensive line consultant for the Pittsburgh Power of the Arena Football League in 2013.

Personal life and death Sweeney died on October 1, 2022, at age 60.