Josh Sweat and Montez Sweat are both professional football defensive ends in the NFL, which naturally leads to questions about whether they are related. This article examines their family backgrounds, careers, and any confirmed connections. We look at where each player grew up, their college paths, and their professional milestones to clarify the nature of their relationship. The goal is to provide a clear, evidence-based explanation rather than speculation.
Are Josh Sweat and Montez Sweat related?
Based on publicly available information, Josh Sweat and Montez Sweat are not closely related by blood or family. They share a surname and the same profession, which fuels speculation, but there is no verified familial link such as being brothers, cousins, or father and son. They have different upbringings, college choices, and career timelines. Below, we break down each player’s background to make the distinctions clear.
Josh Sweat profile
Early life and college
Josh Sweat was born on March 26, 1996, in Chesapeake, Virginia. He attended Oscar F. Smith High School, where he played football and showed early promise as a pass rusher. He committed to Florida State University, playing college football for the Seminoles from 2014 to 2017. At Florida State, he developed as a standout edge rusher and declared for the 2018 NFL Draft.
Professional career
Josh Sweat was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round (88th overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has played primarily as a defensive end and has been a rotational pass rusher for the Eagles. He has recorded consistent quarterback pressures and has been part of the team’s defensive line rotation during his NFL tenure.
Montez Sweat profile
Early life and college
Montez Sweat was born on September 19, 1996, in McComb, Mississippi. He played high school football at McComb High School before enrolling at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College for his freshman year, then transferring to Texas A&M University for his remaining college eligibility. He played college football for the Aggies from 2017 to 2018 before declaring for the 2019 NFL Draft.
Professional career
Montez Sweat was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the second round (58th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has established himself as a higher-end rotational pass rusher and has recorded multiple seasons with double-digit sacks. He has been a more prominent starter in Washington’s defensive line rotation compared to his earlier role with the Commanders.
Comparison table: key attributes
| Attribute | Josh Sweat | Montez Sweat | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth date | March 26, 1996 | September 19, 1996 | Official profiles |
| Birthplace | Chesapeake, Virginia | McComb, Mississippi | Official profiles |
| High school | Oscar F. Smith High School | McComb High School | Official profiles |
| College | Florida State University | Texas A&M University | Official profiles |
| Draft year | 2018 | 2019 | NFL Draft records |
| Draft round | 3rd round (88th) | 2nd round (58th) | NFL Draft records |
| Primary team | Philadelphia Eagles | Washington Commanders | Official rosters |
| Position | Defensive end | Defensive end | Official rosters |
Shared surname, different backgrounds
The Sweat surname is common, and seeing two NFL players with last name Sweat invites questions about family ties. However, their upbringings are distinct: Josh grew up in Virginia, while Montez is from Mississippi. Their college paths differ, with Florida State versus Texas A&M, and they entered the NFL in different years and rounds. These details support the conclusion that their connection is occupational, not familial.
How the confusion arises
Public discussion often links players with similar last names, especially in positions like defensive line where size and skill sets can resemble one another. Media mentions and social media posts sometimes amplify these coincidences without verifying actual relationships. Understanding their separate biographies and timelines helps dispel unverified assumptions.
Summary
Josh Sweat and Montez Sweat share a last name and play the same position in the NFL, but they are not related by family. They come from different states, attended different colleges, and were drafted in different years. There is no verified familial connection between them.