Former New York Jets center Jim Sweeney dies at age 60

Jim Sweeney (Google Images)

According to the Associated Press on Saturday, former New York Jets offensive lineman Jim Sweeney passed away at the age of 60. Sweeney played left guard, left tackle, and center for 16 National Football League seasons from 1984 to 1999. He was with the Jets from 1984 to 1994, the Seattle Seahawks in 1995, and the Pittsburgh Steeles from 1996 to 1999.

Sweeney played in 228 NFL games. He had two fumble recoveries, and both came in Jets losses against AFC East Divisional opponents. The first came on September 24, 1990 in a 30-7 Jets loss to the Buffalo Bills. The second came on November 27, 1994 in a 28-24 Jets loss to the Miami Dolphins.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Sweeney played his college football at the University of Pittsburgh. He was selected in the second round, 37th overall, by the Jets in the 1984 NFL Draft. Sweeney made a significant impact in the Jets’ rookie season. He was on the Pro Football Writers’ Association All-Rookie Team. The most notable player selected to the 1984 All-Rookie Team was Warren Moon of the Houston Oilers, one of the greatest quarterbacks in the history of the NFL.

After his playing career, Sweeney spent a significant amount of time as an offensive line coach. He was with Duquesne University from 2000 to 2002, Peters Township High School in McMurray, Pennsylvania from 2003 to 2006, South Fayette High School in Pennsylvania from 2007 to 2010, and the University of Alabama from 2014 to 2021.

Sweeney was one of two Jets offensive linemen to pass away this past weekend. The other was Marvin Powell, who died at the age of 67. According to hindiable.com, Sweeney died of a heart problem.

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