Carson Schwesinger’s journey to NFL stardom reached a remarkable milestone Thursday night when the Cleveland Browns linebacker was named the 2025 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year at NFL Honors in San Francisco. Once an overlooked collegiate walk-on, Schwesinger earned one of the league’s highest individual honors after a breakout rookie season that firmly established him as a cornerstone of Cleveland’s defense.
From Walk-On to Award Winner, Schwesinger Caps Remarkable Rise With Historic Recognition
Schwesinger received 40 of 50 first-place votes, finishing well ahead of Seahawks safety Nick Emmanwori and Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. His win capped a dominant night for the Browns’ defense, as teammate Myles Garrett was also honored as Defensive Player of the Year. Together, they became the first teammates to sweep the rookie and DPOY awards in the same season since Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs accomplished the feat with the Ravens in 2003.
Carson Schwesinger (NFL)Selected 33rd overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Schwesinger was not a household name entering the league. His rise began at UCLA, where he started as a walk-on before developing into a standout and earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2024. Cleveland took a calculated risk by drafting him early in the second round, particularly with linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah sidelined by a serious neck injury. That gamble paid off immediately.
Schwesinger’s Rookie Dominance Showcased Elite Production, Durability, Leadership, and Immediate Star Potential
Schwesinger made an immediate impact, finishing his rookie season with 156 tackles, ranking sixth in the NFL. He added 11 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, three passes defended, and two interceptions, while earning a Pro Football Focus grade that placed him among the top linebackers in the league. His durability also stood out, as he played 97 percent of the Browns’ defensive snaps and battled through a quadriceps injury late in the season.
Beyond the statistics, Schwesinger became a fan favorite, drawing early comparisons to former Browns linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. for his instincts, toughness, and leadership. He played a major role in Cleveland’s fourth-ranked defense and showed the poise of a veteran despite being a rookie.
With Defensive Rookie of the Year honors now added to his resume, Schwesinger enters the 2026 season not as a surprise contributor but as a proven defensive leader poised to build on an extraordinary beginning.
