From his pre-Bar Mitzvah stuttering days to exceeding all expectation after being drafted 241st (out of 252) in the 2008 NFL draft, Geoff Schwartz has overcome adversity to succeed in life. Born and raised in Los Angeles, CA on July 11th, 1986, Geoff’s three decades have been characterized by hard work, mental toughness, a commitment to his Judaism and a passion to succeed, regardless of the bumps thrown in his way.
Geoff attended elementary, middle and high schools in West Los Angeles. Palisades High School, the alma mater of several well-known sports and entertainment figures, is where Geoff began to realize what life had in store for him. He was a three-sport star, culminating in being honored as the school’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2004. (The only honoree in the 50+ year history of the award to have played and succeeded in three sports.) His football success led to a scholarship at the University of Oregon.
A three-year starter at Oregon, Geoff had his share of ups and down. Injuries, included back surgery, did not keep him out of the starting lineup. He and his Ducks had a run at the National Championship in 2007. He was named 2nd Team All PAC-10 after his senior season in 2007.
Next up was the NFL. Drafted almost as an afterthought, Geoff worked through several debilitating injuries to complete an 8-year career, where the average tenure of a player is only 3-1/2 years. He played for the Carolina Panthers, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Giants, signing a 4-year deal to become a starting guard on the Eli Manning-led team. Geoff retired from the NFL in February 2017.
To his credit, Geoff realized early on that football isn’t forever, so he began laying the foundation for what he hoped would come next . . . broadcasting, media and motivational speaking. Two years and change into this second career, Geoff is off and running. He has appeared on several ESPN shows, including their hallmark SportsCenter. He regularly guests on national shows hosting by top radio personalities Colin Cowherd, Rich Eisen and Clay Travis.
Geoff can be heard daily on Sirius XM Radio 373 hosting PAC-12 Today and is a stand in on the PAC-12 This Morning Show. He regularly writes as their NFL Contributor to websites such as SB Nation and The Athletic and appears routinely on sports radio talk shows throughout the country offering his insights on football and a wide variety of other topics.
Along with his brother Mitchell, starting right tackle of the Kansas City Chiefs, Geoff co-authored Eat My Schwartz, a book chronicling their lives from early childhood to their tenure in the NFL, discussing NFL football, food, family and their faith.
Wanting to give back to the community in recognition of his great fortune, Geoff has participated in activities/ spoken at various charitable events for organizations such as Chai Lifeline, Huntington’s Disease and Holocaust Survivors.
Geoff now resides in beautiful Charlotte, NC with his wife Meridith and their two wonderful children, Alex and Emmy.
Hardcover
Eat My Schwartz
Adversity Through Mental Toughness
From dealing with a challenging stutter during his youth to overcoming multiples injuries throughout his playing days, Geoff talks about the role mental toughness and persistence played in achieving success in his career and personal life.
A Jewish Role Model
There haven’t been many Jewish professional athletes. Having talked to audiences ranging from Holocaust survivors to Jewish children day schools, Geoff shares how he lives a Jewish life and discusses his commitment to be a role model for today’s Jewish community.
The Influence of Sports
As an eight year NFL career and a three-sport high athlete who began his athletic journey at the impressionable age of 5, Geoff reveals how involvement in athletics can positively shape one’s values and life choices.
Follow Geoff on Twitter.
Check out the Block ‘Em Up podcast.
Take a look at Geoff’s YouTube channel.
Geoff announces his retirement from the NFL.
Watch Geoff talk about his faith on MSNBC.
Read Geoff’s contributions on SB Nation.
Praise for Eat My Schwartz:
“An outstanding book . . . . Powerful and at times emotional . . . . The book is humorous, smart and takes you inside NFL locker rooms. . . . This was, easily, one of the most unique and well-done books about NFL life I’ve ever read. And unlike a lot of football books, it actually gives you a good look inside NFL life.”
—Mike Freeman, Bleacher Report