Boxing, an ego in check and his son’s request: D.J. Swearinger’s winding path to the XFL April 18, 2023 by Washington Times To understand D.J. Swearinger’s improbable path to the XFL, consider this: Before the former Washington Redskins safety signed with the D.C. Defenders earlier this month, the 31-year-old was in the midst of a career change.