Carson Schwesinger Claims NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year

There’s something undeniably special about a rookie who not only meets the high expectations thrust upon him, but shatters them, rewriting both team and league history in the process. On February 5, 2026, the NFL world paused to celebrate just such a player: Carson Schwesinger, the Cleveland Browns’ rookie linebacker, who was officially crowned the Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year at the NFL Honors event held at San Francisco’s Palace of Fine Arts. For Schwesinger, the moment represented the culmination of a whirlwind journey—from overlooked college walk-on to the heart and soul of one of the league’s top defenses.

The award, which Schwesinger received after earning a commanding 40 out of 50 first-place votes and amassing 441 points, was hardly a surprise to those who followed his remarkable debut season. But for the Browns and their fans, it was cause for jubilation: Schwesinger became just the second player in Cleveland’s storied franchise history to claim Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, joining Chip Banks, who first achieved the feat back in 1982. Schwesinger also added the Professional Football Writers of America’s Defensive Rookie of the Year to his growing trophy case, making his rookie campaign one for the ages.

“I’m truly humbled and honored to receive this,” Schwesinger said, his voice steady but emotional after his father, Dennis, announced him as the winner. “I’ve been blessed to be able to go out and play the game that I love and I never want to take that for granted.” As he made his way to the stage, Schwesinger embraced teammates Myles Garrett—himself named NFL Defensive Player of the Year earlier that night—and Grant Delpit, a testament to the tight-knit brotherhood that fueled Cleveland’s defensive resurgence in 2025.

Schwesinger’s story is one of grit and perseverance. A native of Moorpark, California, he arrived at UCLA as a walk-on, largely overlooked by recruiters. For years, he toiled on special teams and scout squads, only earning a starting spot in his final season. But when opportunity knocked, Schwesinger answered in emphatic fashion. His senior year saw him earn First Team All-America honors and become a Butkus Award finalist, leading the nation with 90 solo tackles and topping the Big Ten with 136 total tackles. On November 15, 2024, he notched a career-high 17 tackles against Washington, capping a six-game streak of double-digit tackles. His relentless play earned him a spot as a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Award, which honors the nation’s top player who began as a walk-on.

The Browns took notice, selecting Schwesinger with the first pick of the second round (No. 33 overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft. It was a bold move, given his unconventional path, but one that paid immediate dividends. Schwesinger became a day-one starter and was handed the green dot—a symbol of trust, as it designates the defensive play caller. He responded by leading all NFL rookies with 146 tackles and 11 tackles for loss, ranking eighth in the entire league in total tackles. He added 2.5 sacks, nine quarterback hits, two interceptions, three pass break-ups, and was the only linebacker in the league with at least 11 tackles for loss and two interceptions. His tackling prowess was on full display week after week, as he posted double-digit tackles in nine games, including a league-high six-game streak from November 9 to December 21.

Schwesinger’s impact went far beyond the stat sheet. He played in 97% of the Browns’ defensive snaps over the first 16 games, showing remarkable durability and football IQ. Even when adversity struck, Schwesinger’s toughness shone through. He played through a high ankle sprain suffered in Week 8, returning in time for a pivotal matchup against the New York Jets in Week 10. Later, in the Browns’ Week 17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Schwesinger suffered a season-ending quadriceps injury in the first half—but refused to leave the field, playing all 66 defensive snaps and recording nine tackles. Head coach Kevin Stefanski awarded him a game ball, and later campaigned for even greater honors: “The answer is yes, he’s an All-Pro. He looks like the other All-Pros out there, and for him to do it as a rookie in the middle of this defense has been incredible. If it sounds like I’m stumping for him, I am.”

Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz was equally effusive in his praise. “It’s really been an honor to coach that kid,” Schwartz said. “He’s done everything. He’s been a good leader for us—he’s increased that as the season’s gone on, and I look forward to seeing him even take greater strides as a player. Really a cement block for our defense and I think Defensive Rookie of the Year.” Schwartz, who once coached Hall of Famer Ray Lewis, drew a striking comparison: “The command that Carson has now in a lot of respects took until Ray’s third year in the league. Middle linebacker is hard, linebacker is a hard position to play for a young player. You have to have all of the run fits, you have to have the physicality to play there. You have to be a productive tackler. You have to know all the blitzes. You have to have all the coverage components. And a lot of times it takes guys sort of piecemeal to put all of that stuff together. He’s been right in the middle of it, and it’s been fun to watch because not only does he do all that stuff well, but he has great command. He’s a great leader for us. He’s our play caller, very rarely makes a mistake. When he does make a mistake, it doesn’t repeat, and he’s very productive on the field.”

Schwesinger’s humility and focus have been constants throughout his meteoric rise. “I think for me, whether it’s good or bad, I tend to do the best I can to just not really think about the attention,” he said on December 29. “When you start trying to focus on stats or awards or things like that, it takes away from why I’m really playing this game and what I love to do and then why I’m out there with my teammates and things like that. Obviously you can’t ignore it, but I think the mindset has always been the same and focusing on each week as they come and what I can do to prepare myself to be the best I can when I take the field for the guys I’m on the field with.”

His acceptance speech was a heartfelt tribute to those who helped him along the way. “This is something that wouldn’t be possible without all of you,” Schwesinger said, addressing his family. “My dad’s been there every step of the way. Perfect role model. The support you’ve shown me has really pushed me to this moment. And my mom, whether it was waking me up at 6 in the morning because she knew I wasn’t going to do it myself or driving me to school, everything you’ve done along the way it hasn’t gone unnoticed. And I’m surely thankful for the support that you guys have shown.”

As the confetti settles on the 2025 NFL season, one thing is clear: Carson Schwesinger’s rookie year will be remembered as one of the most impactful in recent memory. The Browns found their defensive anchor, and the league gained a new star whose journey from walk-on to award-winner serves as inspiration for players everywhere. With his leadership, toughness, and humility, Schwesinger’s story is just beginning—and the NFL is taking notice.