From the time that LB Carson Schwesinger arrived at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in the spring of 2025, all the way through the end of the regular season, he made his presence known on the Browns' defense.
Teammates and coaches saw his potential from the beginning of training camp when he caused interceptions during practices. That potential translated throughout the regular season, as he started all 16 games played at middle linebacker. In Week 1 he led the Browns in total tackles, and he finished the season still leading the Browns in tackles.
His positive defensive impact is being recognized, as the NFL announced Schwesinger as one of the six finalists for the 2025 Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year award. He was nominated alongside Giants QB Jaxson Dart, Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson, Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty, Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan and Saints QB Tyler Shough.
Schwesinger was nominated for Rookie of the Week three times during the 2025 season and earned the award once during Week 11. He was also named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for the month of November.
"He's right in the middle of the defense. He's played outstanding for us," defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz said in December 2025. "He has really impressed me with his toughness and his ability to play through some injuries and some pain. That shows a lot of grit, that shows a lot of toughness. And not only do the coaches appreciate that, but his teammates appreciate that also. […] I've been really proud of him, and I know his teammates are too, they respect that."
He played an integral role in the success of the Browns' defense during his rookie season. Schwesinger wore the green dot for the Browns throughout the 2025 season, acting as the signal caller for the defense. His success during training camp earned him the opportunity to wear the green dot, and Schwesinger demonstrated continued command of the defense with his ownership of the responsibility.
From Week 1 of the season, Schwesinger showcased his positive impact on the defense. He recorded his first career sack in Week 3 against the Packers and his first career interception in Week 8 against the Patriots. Schwesinger finished the 2025 season with a team-high146 tackles and added 2.5 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, nine quarterback hits, two interceptions and three passes defensed.
"He came in, he fit in, he commands the call, he makes the checks," LB Devin Bush said November 2025. "He's out there on third down making stops, sacks, picks, whatever it is to put his team in position to win."
Schwesinger also led all rookies this season with his 146 tackles and 11 tackles for loss. He had at least 10 tackles in each game from Weeks 11-16, tying Luke Kuechly at six consecutive games for the longest such streak by a rookie since 2000. He is one of five linebackers in NFL history to record at least 145 tackles and 10 tackles for loss in their rookie season since 2000.
"He's been able to master situational football at a high level as a rookie, so keeping him on the field is something we want to do because he's able to run the show and adjust," linebackers coach Jason Tarver said in December 2025. "He's the same every day, which is the ultimate compliment to any human. And he just keeps wanting to get better and make plays. […] What's his favorite play? The next one. That's how he lived all year long and really proud of him for that."
The winner will be selected by a fan vote through nfl.com/rookies, with the voting period open through Friday, Jan. 30.
