Learn more about linebacker Jack Sawyer, who was selected by the Steelers in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He was picked out of Ohio State with the 123rd overall selection.
Sawyer played in 53 career games, starting 29 consecutive matches to conclude his college career. His statistics include 138 tackles, with 65 being solo stops. Additionally, he recorded 20 sacks and made 25.5 tackles for a loss. Sawyer also had 11 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one interception.
Known for performing well under pressure, Sawyer contributed significantly during Ohio State’s run to the National Championship. He made key plays in victories over Tennessee, Oregon, Texas, and Notre Dame. A notable moment was his strip sack and recovery against Texas in the Cotton Bowl that he returned for an 83-yard touchdown. This play secured a win as Texas was close to tying the game.
Although Sawyer grew up in Ohio, he is familiar with the Steelers due to his friend Casey George and his family being fans of the team. “Growing up,” said Sawyer, “my best friends like a brother me, and their families the biggest Steelers fans you can probably find in Columbus, Ohio.” He added that he watched many Steelers games growing up and admired their winning history.
His father Lyle played football at Findlay College while his mother Michelle played basketball at Pickerington High School where Jack also attended. His grandfather Craig Shade briefly played in the Pittsburgh Pirates minor league system before being drafted into military service during wartime.
“We don’t talk too much about that,” mentioned Sawyer regarding his grandfather’s baseball past. “He’s a huge baseball guy; he played in the farm system for a couple years and then got called into the draft for war.”
