The Detroit Lions needed offensive line help. Almost three weeks into free agency, the franchise found it with Geoff Schwartz, who can play both tackle and guard if necessary.
They also received a player who appears to have a pretty fun personality and is one of the more interesting follows on Twitter. Here are some things to know about the 29-year-old Schwartz.
1. He’s versatile: He can play multiple positions on the line, having played right guard, left guard and right tackle during his NFL career. He was a right tackle at Oregon, where he played college football. This is critical for Detroit, as the Lions need to try to find upgrades on the line. If Schwartz plays guard, he can push starters Larry Warford and Laken Tomlinson and provide veteran leadership. If the Lions want him at right tackle, he’d be in a potentially good spot competing against Michael Ola, Lamar Holmes and Cornelius Lucas. The right tackle spot is wide-open and a job he could easily win.
2. He might have had the best nickname ever: In a St. Paul Pioneer Press story in 2012, Schwartz said his nickname in high school basketball was “Ghost in the Post” at Palisades Charter School in California. Why? Well, he explained it this way: “I was white and never got the ball. I boxed out and was kind of the hustle guy.” He was a three-sport athlete in high school, playing baseball, basketball and football.
3. He’s very active on Twitter: Schwartz is very active on social media and interacts often. He’ll discuss everything from football to the NCAA tournament to baseball movies. He’s worth a follow if you’re not already one of his 35,000-plus followers at @GeoffSchwartz. In his Twitter bio, he explains he tweets a lot about his alma mater, Oregon, and the San Francisco Giants. Oh, and that “I make bomb food.”
4. Schwartz is a practicing Jew: He and his brother, Mitchell, are among the few Jewish players in the NFL. He gave a list of “Ten Random Facts About Being a Jewish Athlete” to Sports Illustrated in 2013, and in that piece he said he carries a personal menorah to light Hanukkah candles if he’s on the road during the holiday and that latkes “are the most delicious treat ever.”
5. He has a podcast: Along with playing football and spending time with his family, Schwartz also hosts a podcast with Duke Manyweather called "Block 'Em Up." They discuss sports and it is described as "athletes interviewing athletes."