Andrew Sweat's AMA: Former OSU Linebacker Talks Law School, Concussions and More

Former Ohio State linebacker Andrew Sweat took to Reddit today in an Ask-Me-Anything (AMA). For the uninitiated, an AMA is when famous people take to Reddit and answer the unfiltered questions of the masses.

After leaving Ohio State, Sweat signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns. Before tryouts, however, Sweat reversed course, and in a decision to protect his health due to multiple concussions sustained through his career, he instead enrolled in Capital's law school. 

On Luke Fickell:

He is like a second dad to me. Loved him every since he recruited me out of high school. He was the main reason I came to OSU. In my opinion he is the best linebacker coach in the country. He is soo passionate and knowledgeable. In my opinion, he is one of the best coaches in America

On the heat FIckell has faced from fans:

If people could know what kinda coach and guy he is, I think people would leave him alone. He is amazing.

Why he chose Ohio State:

I went to OSU because it was close to home. The people The Tradition the Excellence... Loved coach fickell. Coach tressel was amazing. He truly cared about you both on and off the football field. I still keep in contact with him and he is doing well.

When he started worrying about concussions:

I started to worry about concussion my senior year. I had several. I think the NCAA should do more to protect the college athlete. There needs to be safeguards in place and they should be held accountable. Especially with the amount of money they make off CFB.

If he regrets going to law school:

I do not... Always wanted to get a law degree and I think it separates you from the rest of the pack. My family has a large law firm and it was always the plan to take it over.

How he would deal with the rise of Sparty:

I would go back to the way OSU played football. Sparty beat us by playing tough nosed Big ten football. controlling the ball and playing great defense.. Tressel ball.

His pregame ritual:

I collected my thoughts independently. I didn't listen to any music. Off the field I was a laid back guy but when it became close to game time I turned into a psycho.

His favorite stadium in which to defecate:

Iowa because it had a pink bathroom.

Would he rather fight 100 duck-sized horses or one horse-sized duck?

I would rather fight 1 horse sized duck.

His most memorable moments at Ohio State:

The most memorable moments were winning the Rose bowl and Sugar bowl. I had a few memorable stops against Wisconsin. Both were 4 @ 1 plays. Stuck Montee Ball on both of them.

On the legal ramifications of emerging science about brain damage to football players:

I believe college athletes need to be taken into account. There is no protection for the college athlete. The NFL protects their players especially with the concussion judgment. Football is a violent game and injuries will occur but the college athlete's injuries that potential may affect the rest of their life should be addressed.

On how hard it was to set aside football due to concussions:

I miss the game a lot. It is tough sitting in law school with the rigors it brings. My friends are still playing in the NFL and it is tough. It was such a significant part of my life and feels weird to not have it anymore.

Favorite/worst stadium to play in:

Camp Randall and Beaver stadium were great venues. Always dreaded going to Purdue hence why we lost twice in my career there.

The full interview can be found here.