3 fun facts about new NY Jets OL Wes Schweitzer

The NY Jets signed former Washington Commanders offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer to a two-year, $5 million contract last week. The former sixth-round pick will provide important depth to a Jets' offensive line that desperately needs it.

Schweitzer spent the first four years of his career in Atlanta before signing with the Commanders ahead of the 2020 season. In seven years in the NFL (he didn't play his rookie year), Schweitzer has appeared in 80 games, starting 60.

The Jets aren't going to rely on Schweitzer as a starting option, but the former San Jose State standout will essentially fill the role that Dan Feeney filled last year as a versatile backup interior offensive lineman.

That's who Schweitzer is on the field, however. What about the man behind the facemask? Let's take a look at three quick fun facts about the Jets' newest offensive lineman.

1. NY Jets OL Wes Schweiter is a rock climber in his spare time

For the first few years of his NFL career, Schweitzer trained in the offseason like any other NFL player. He ran, lifted weights, and worked out in the gym to maintain his physical conditioning.

Schweitzer still didn't feel healthy, though. He battled injuries, specifically hyperextended elbows, and was advised by his trainer to try a climbing gym. Almost immediately, he was hooked.

Schweitzer's passion for the climbing gym soon turned into an entire rock climbing hobby. Now, Schweitzer spends his NFL offseasons staying in shape by climbing various rock walls around the country.

He credits the new hobby with increasing his upper-body muscle mass and grip strength while also helping him stay healthy. Schweitzer is part football player, part rock climber.

2. He didn't want to play football initially

For most of his high-school career, Schweitzer was set on serving his country as a member of the Marines. In fact, he didn't even start a game for his football team until his senior year.

Schweitzer found more success prior to that as a wrestler, advancing to the 2010 state championships in the 189-pound division. That was before he bulked up from 189 to 270 pounds (!) in the summer before his senior season.

Schweitzer would start as an offensive lineman his senior year, earning an All-State selection while being voted first-team All-City and All-Region. Still, Schweitzer remained committed to the Marines.

That was until he received his first scholarship offer while on his way to get his physical for the Marines and be officially sworn in. Schweitzer very nearly chose a completely different career path.

3. He's pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry

Schweitzer isn't just a football player and part-time rock climber; he's also a very intelligent individual who plans to pursue a degree in chemistry following his playing career.

Schweitzer finished his time at San Jose State with a 3.3 GPA while majoring in chemistry. He was an academic All-District nominee honoree and a three-time recipient of San Jose State's Scholar-Athlete award.

He's not done with chemistry yet, however. Schweitzer told ESPN in 2016 that he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemistry at some point in the future. Schweitzer's father was a nuclear safety officer in the Army for 25 years, so the military and chemistry background runs in the family.

Schweitzer is a rock-climbing chemist who nearly pursued a career in the Marines before he chose football. Now, he's an NFL player entering his eighth year in the league.