Swayze Bozeman (born November 2, 1998) is an American professional football linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Copiah-Lincoln Wolves and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Bozeman went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent. He has appeared in games with the Chiefs, Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and Bengals during his early professional career.
Swayze Bozeman Bio
Swayze Bozeman was born on November 2, 1998, in Flora, Mississippi. He developed into a versatile athlete during his time at Tri-County Academy, competing in football, basketball, and track and field while growing up in central Mississippi. His football abilities stood out, as he played both on defense and at running back, helping his school reach two MAIS AA state championship games. After graduating high school in 2017, Bozeman pursued collegiate football at the community college level before transferring to NCAA Division I. His journey through junior college and into the NFL represents a steady climb through the football ranks.
Early Life and Background
Bozeman grew up in Flora, Mississippi, where he attended Tri-County Academy. At Tri-County, he was a three-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball, and track and field. On the football field, Bozeman showcased his versatility by lining up on both sides of the ball, playing defensive positions while also contributing at running back on offense. His leadership and performance helped guide Tri-County Academy to two appearances in the MAIS AA state championship games during his high school career.
After graduating from Tri-County Academy in 2017, Bozeman chose to continue his football journey at the collegiate level. He initially selected Copiah-Lincoln Community College, a well-regarded junior college program in Mississippi, to further develop his skills before pursuing opportunities at a four-year university. This decision proved instrumental in shaping his path toward professional football.
Path to American Football
At Copiah-Lincoln, Bozeman began his collegiate career as a safety during the 2017 season. Coaches recognized his athletic abilities and moved him to linebacker for his sophomore season in 2018. The position change proved successful, as Bozeman recorded a team-leading 91 tackles and earned All-Region honors. He was also selected as a first-team All-Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) player, establishing himself as one of the top junior college defenders in the state. Over his two seasons with the Wolves, Bozeman accumulated 133 tackles in 19 games played.
Bozeman transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi in 2019, becoming the first NCAA Division I football player from Tri-County Academy since 2002. He made an immediate impact with the Golden Eagles, appearing in all 13 games with eight starts during his junior season. Bozeman recorded 57 tackles, 6.0 tackles-for-loss, and 4.5 sacks, demonstrating his ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks at the Division I level.
The 2020 season was shortened due to COVID-19, but Bozeman started all six games and made 42 tackles. His 2021 season was affected by injury, causing him to redshirt after appearing in only four games and making 20 tackles. In 2022, he played three games with 13 tackles and returned a fumble for a touchdown. Bozeman appeared in six games during his final season in 2023, recording 36 tackles. He concluded his Southern Miss career with 168 tackles, 12.5 tackles-for-loss, and 6.5 sacks across 32 games played.
Swayze Bozeman Career
Kansas City Chiefs (2024)
Following his collegiate career, Bozeman participated in Southern Miss pro day where he posted impressive numbers. His results in the bench press, broad jump, shuttle run, and three-cone drill would have each ranked first among linebackers at the NFL Scouting Combine. Despite these strong measurements, Bozeman went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. He subsequently signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent.
Bozeman was waived during final roster cuts in August 2024 and re-signed to the team’s practice squad the following day. He remained on the practice squad until December, when he was elevated to the active roster for Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Bozeman made his NFL debut in that game, taking the field for the first time as a professional. He appeared in at least one game with the Chiefs during the 2024 season.
Chicago Bears (2025)
In February 2025, Bozeman signed with the Chicago Bears, joining the franchise’s roster for the upcoming season. He participated with the team through the offseason program and training camp. However, he was waived by the Bears in late August 2025 during roster reductions, ending his tenure with the organization after a relatively brief period.
New York Giants (2025)
Bozeman was signed to the New York Giants practice squad in late August 2025. He was promoted to the active roster in mid-September and began appearing in games for the franchise. During his time with the Giants, Bozeman recorded three tackles across four appearances before being waived in late October. He was re-signed to the practice squad three days after his release. Bozeman later signed a reserve/future contract with New York in January 2026, indicating the team’s continued interest in his development.
Cincinnati Bengals (2026-Present)
In May 2026, Bozeman was claimed off waivers by the Cincinnati Bengals, joining the franchise as a linebacker. This move represented another opportunity for him to establish himself in the NFL and compete for a roster spot with a different organization. As a member of the Bengals, Bozeman continues working toward securing a lasting role in the league.
Playing Style and Strengths
Bozeman has shown reliable tackling ability throughout his career, both at the collegiate level and during his limited NFL appearances. His background as a safety early in his college career provided him with range and awareness in pass coverage situations. At linebacker, he demonstrated effectiveness as a blitzer, recording multiple sacks during his time at Southern Miss. His ability to play multiple positions along the linebacker corps provides defensive coordinators with flexibility in utilizing his skill set.
Notable Events and Milestones
Bozeman’s path to the NFL through the undrafted free agent route highlights his perseverance and determination to earn an opportunity at the professional level. His strong pro day performance in 2024, which would have led all linebackers in several measurables at the Combine, demonstrated his athleticism despite going unselected in the draft. His NFL debut with the Chiefs in Week 14 of the 2024 season marked a significant milestone in his career trajectory.
Swayze Bozeman Career Wins
Throughout his football career, Bozeman has accumulated notable statistics and recognition at both the junior college and Division I levels, establishing himself as a productive defender at each stage of competition.
College Highlights
At Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Bozeman earned first-team All-MACJC honors and was recognized as an All-Region selection following his standout sophomore season. His 91 tackles in 2018 led the entire team and positioned him among the top junior college defenders in Mississippi. At Southern Miss, he developed into a consistent performer with 168 total tackles, 12.5 tackles-for-loss, and 6.5 sacks across four seasons. His most productive single-season stretch came during his first year at Southern Miss in 2019 when he started eight games and recorded 4.5 sacks while appearing in all 13 games. He also scored a defensive touchdown during his tenure when he returned a fumble for a score in 2022.
Professional Statistics
Through the 2025 NFL season, Bozeman has recorded nine total tackles across his professional career. He has appeared in games with the Kansas City Chiefs, Chicago Bears, and New York Giants, demonstrating his ability to earn roster spots despite entering the league as an undrafted free agent. His limited game action reflects the challenging nature of earning consistent playing time as a rookie linebacker in the NFL.
Swayze Bozeman Family
Family Background
Details regarding Bozeman’s family background, including information about his parents and any family connections to athletics, are not extensively documented in available sources. His status as the first NCAA Division I football player from Tri-County Academy since 2002 indicates his pioneering role within his immediate family regarding major college football recruitment.
Personal Life
Bozeman maintains an active presence on social media, where he connects with fans. He continues to reside in the United States while pursuing his professional football career. Information regarding his marital status, spouse, or children is not publicly available in confirmed sources.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season proved to be a year of transition for Bozeman. After beginning the year with the Kansas City Chiefs organization in 2024, he signed with the Chicago Bears in February 2025. His tenure with the Bears ended when he was waived during late August roster cuts. Bozeman subsequently joined the New York Giants practice squad and was promoted to the active roster in September. He appeared in four games for the Giants, recording three tackles during that span.
Following hiswaiver from the Giants in late October, Bozeman was re-signed to the practice squad, indicating the team’s continued interest in his potential. He finished the 2025 season with New York and signed a reserve future contract in January 2026, securing his place on the roster heading into the following season. His ability to remain on NFL rosters despite multiple transactions demonstrates his value as a developmental linebacker candidate. The 2025 campaign highlighted the competitive nature of the NFL, where players must consistently perform to maintain roster spots, especially as undrafted free agents.